SOLUTION: The lengths of the sides of three squares are s, s+1, and s+2 . If their total area is 365 cm squared, find their total perimeter.

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: The lengths of the sides of three squares are s, s+1, and s+2 . If their total area is 365 cm squared, find their total perimeter.      Log On


   

Question 1741: The lengths of the sides of three squares are s, s+1, and s+2 . If their total area is 365 cm squared, find their total perimeter.
Answer by usyim88hk(158) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
s^2 = the area of the first square
(s+1)^2 = the area of the second square
(s+2)^2 = the area of the third square
s^2 + (s+1)^2 + (s+2)^2 = the area of the sum of the three squares
s^2 + s^2 + 2s + 1 + s^2 + 4s + 4 = 365
3s^2 + 6s -360 = 0
Use the quardratic formula
x=%286%2B-sqrt%286%5E2-4%283%29%28-360%29%29%29%2F%282%283%29%29
x=%286%2B-sqrt%284356%29%29%2F6
x=%286%2B-66%29%2F6
x = 72/6 or -60/6
x = 12 or -10
Since length can not be a negative number, 12 is the answer
s = 12
s+1 = 13
s+2 = 14