Question 753277
EDIT: MISREAD "DECREASED".  NOW GIVING PROPER RESULT


w for width and y for length
{{{w=2n}}} and {{{y=2n+2}}}


Then {{{w-3=2n-3}}} is used and the area becomes 24 square inches.


{{{(2n-3)(2n+2)=24}}}
{{{4n^2-6n+4n-6=24}}}
{{{4n^2-2n-30=0}}}
{{{highlight(2n^2-n-15=0)}}}


{{{n=(1+- sqrt(1-4*2*(-15)))/4}}}
{{{n=-5/4}}} or {{{highlight(n=3)}}}.


Taking the positive value for n,
original figure, w=6 and length=8.

Original area is {{{highlight(6*8=48)}}} square inches.