Question 597809
Let x = original side of the square


"If 6cm is added to each side of a square", then the new side length of the square is x+6 cm


The perimeter is equal to 4 times the side length (since each side is equal and all sides are added up)


So P = 4s. But P = 48 and s = x+6, so 


P = 4s


48 = 4(x+6)


From here, solve for x


48 = 4x+24


48-24 = 4x


24 = 4x


24/4 = x


6 = x


x = 6


So the side length of the original square is <font color="red">6 cm</font>.