<PRE><B>Question 836285</B>
Let x = side length of original square


Decrease it by 5 to get x-5


Plug this into the perimeter of a square formula


P = 4s


P = 4(x-5)


28 = 4(x-5) ... plug in the given perimeter too


Now solve for x


28 = 4(x-5)


28/4 = x-5


7 = x-5


7+5 = x


12 = x


x = 12


The original side length is 12 cm


The area of the original square is 12^2 = 144 square cm


The perimeter of the original square is 4*12 = 48 cm</PRE>