Question 582614
(x+2)^2 = 144


x^2+4x+4=144


x^2+4x+4-144=0


x^2+4x-140


(x+14)(x-10)=0


x+14=0 or x-10=0


x=-14 or x=10


Ignore the negative solution.


So the length of the side of the original square is <font color="red">10</font> inches.