SOLUTION: If one side of a square is increased by 8 feet and an adjacent side decreased by 2 feet, a rectangle is formed whose perimeter is 40 feet. Find the length of a side of the square.

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: If one side of a square is increased by 8 feet and an adjacent side decreased by 2 feet, a rectangle is formed whose perimeter is 40 feet. Find the length of a side of the square.      Log On


   

Question 345043: If one side of a square is increased by 8 feet and an adjacent side decreased by 2 feet, a rectangle is formed whose perimeter is 40 feet. Find the length of a side of the square.
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
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If one side of a square is increased by 8 feet
and an adjacent side decreased by 2 feet,
a rectangle is formed whose perimeter is 40 feet.
Find the length of a side of the square.
:
Let x = side of the square
then
(x+8) = the length of the rectangle
and
(x-2) = the width
:
The perimeter:
2(x+8) + 2(x-2) = 40
Simplify, divide by 2
x + 8 + x - 2 = 20
2x + 6 = 20
2x = 20 - 6
x = 14%2F2
x = 7 ft is the side of the square
:
:
Check solution by finding the perimeter of the rectangle when x = 7
2(7+8) + 2(7-2) =
2(15) + 2(5) = 40