SOLUTION: Hi, can you help me with my homework? Here --> If the measure of a side of a square is decreased by 5cm, its perimeter is 28cm. Thanks in advance :D

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Question 836285: Hi, can you help me with my homework?
Here --> If the measure of a side of a square is decreased by 5cm, its perimeter is 28cm.
Thanks in advance :D
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x = side length of original square

Decrease it by 5 to get x-5

Plug this into the perimeter of a square formula

P = 4s

P = 4(x-5)

28 = 4(x-5) ... plug in the given perimeter too

Now solve for x

28 = 4(x-5)

28/4 = x-5

7 = x-5

7+5 = x

12 = x

x = 12

The original side length is 12 cm

The area of the original square is 12^2 = 144 square cm

The perimeter of the original square is 4*12 = 48 cm