SOLUTION: Geometry. If the sides of a square are decreased by 2 cm, the area is decreased by 36 cm2. What were the dimensions of the original square? thanks.

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Geometry. If the sides of a square are decreased by 2 cm, the area is decreased by 36 cm2. What were the dimensions of the original square? thanks.      Log On


   

Question 76282: Geometry. If the sides of a square are decreased by 2 cm, the area is decreased by 36 cm2. What were the dimensions of the original square?
thanks.
Answer by checkley75(3666) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(X-2)(X-2)=X*X-36
X^2-4X+4=X^2-36
X^2-X^2-4X=-36-4
-4X=-40
X=-40/-4
X=10 CM FOR THE ORIGINAL SIZE OF THE SQUARE WITH AN AREA OF 100 CM^2
10-2=8*8=64 100-64=36 THE REDUCED SIZE OF THE SMALLER SQUARE