SOLUTION: This is not making sense to me, can someone help me? Geometry: If the sides of a square are decreased by 2cm, the area is decreased by 36cm^2. What were the dimensions of the or

Algebra ->  Surface-area -> SOLUTION: This is not making sense to me, can someone help me? Geometry: If the sides of a square are decreased by 2cm, the area is decreased by 36cm^2. What were the dimensions of the or      Log On


   

Question 44834: This is not making sense to me, can someone help me?
Geometry: If the sides of a square are decreased by 2cm, the area is decreased by 36cm^2. What were the dimensions of the original square?
Answer by Paul(988) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let the side be x
the original area would be x%5E2
If the side is decreased by 2 --> x-2
The area is decreased by 36 ---> x%5E2-36
EQUATION:
%28x-2%29%5E2=x%5E2-36
x%5E2%2B4-4x=x%5E2-36
-4x=-40
x=10
Hence, the measurement for the side of the square is 10 cm
Paul.