SOLUTION: I know this cannot be that difficult, but I can't figure out how to set it up! If the sides of a square are decreased by 2cm, the area is decreased by 36 cm^2. What are the dime

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Question 45623This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra
: I know this cannot be that difficult, but I can't figure out how to set it up!
If the sides of a square are decreased by 2cm, the area is decreased by 36 cm^2. What are the dimensions of the original square?
This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra

Answer by Nate(3500) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Original Square
sides = s
s^2 = a
New Square
sides = s - 2
(s - 2)^2 = a - 36
s^2 - 4s + 4 = a - 36
-4s + 4 = -36
-4s = -40
s = 10
Original:
10 x 10