SOLUTION: I cant seem to figure out what to do with this problem. Please help me solve this equation: If two opposite sides of a square are increased by 10 meters and the other sides are de

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Question 154287: I cant seem to figure out what to do with this problem.
Please help me solve this equation: If two opposite sides of a square are increased by 10 meters and the other sides are decreased by 8 meters, the area of the rectangle that is formed is 63 square meters. Find the area of the original square.
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let s="side of square"

"two opposite sides of a square are increased by 10 meters" __ s+10

"the other sides are decreased by 8 meters" __ s-8

"the area of the rectangle that is formed is 63 square meters" __ (s+10)(s-8)=63

FOILing __ s^2+2s-80=63 __ subtracting 63 __ s^2+2s-143=0 __ factoring __ (s+13)(s-11)=0

s+13=0 __ s=-13 __ negative value not realistic

s-11=0 __ s=11 __ area=11^2=121