Question 553737
Let x = original side of the square.


(x+8)^2=196


Take the square root of both sides:
{{{x+8=sqrt(196)}}} or {{{x+8=-sqrt(196)}}}
{{{x+8=14}}} or {{{x+8=-14}}}


Reject the negative, since a side of a square cannot be negative
{{{x+8=14}}}

{{{x=6 cm}}}


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Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus