<PRE><B>Question 208038</B>
Let x = side of smallest field
x+1= side of second field
x+3 = side of third field


Area = x^2 + (x+1)^2 + (x+3)^2 = 38

x^2 + x^2 + 2x + 1 + x^2 + 6x + 9 = 38
3x^2 + 8x +10 = 38


3x^2 + 8x -28=0
(3x+14)(x-2)=0


Two solutions:
3x+14 = 0
3x= -14
x=-14/3   Reject negative answers


x-2=0
x=2
A=4 km^2


x+1=3
A=9 km^2


x+3= 5
A= 25 km^2


Check:

Total area = 4 + 9 + 25= 38 km^2


R^2


Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired</PRE>