Question 58533
A rectangle is twice as long as it is wide. 
x = width; 2x = length
:
If the length and width are each decreased by 4cm,the area is reduced by 224 cm squared.
Original area = 2x^2
:
New dimensions: (x-4; (2x-4); new area given as 2x^2 - 224
:
2x^2 - 224 = (x-4)*(2x-4)
:
2x^2 - 224 = 2x^2 - 12x + 16
:
2x^2 - 2x^2 + 12x = 16 + 224
:
12x = 240
x = 240/12
x = 20
:
 Find the dimensions of the original rectangle.
x = 20cm is the width; 40 cm is the length
:
:
Check:
20*40 = 800 sq cm
16*36 = 576 sq cm
---------------------subtract
>>>>>>>>>224 sq cm