Question 257215
The sum of the areas of two squares is 234 square inches.
 Each side of the larger square is five times the length of a side of the smaller square.
 Find the length of a side of each square.
:
Write an equation for each statement: (sides of two squares, x & y)
:
"The sum of the areas of two squares is 234 square inches."
x^2 + y^2 = 234
:
"Each side of the larger square is five times the length of a side of the smaller square."
x = 5y
:
In the 1st equation, replace x with 5y
(5y)^2 + y^2 = 234
25y^2 + y^2 = 234
26y^2 = 234
y^2 = {{{234/26}}}
y^2 = 9
y = 3" side of the smaller square
then
x = 5(3) = 15" side of the larger square
:
:
Check: 15^2 + 3^2 = 234