Question 848321
b = h + 2
b-2 = h

After change,  our base is b+4

A = (1/2) * b * h

56 = (1/2)*(b+4)*(b-2)

56 = (1/2)(b^2+2b-8)

112 = b^2 +2b - 8

b^2 +2b -120 = 0

(b-10)(b+12) = 0

b = 10   [ignore b= -12]

This means h = 8

original area = 1/2 *(10)*(8) =  {{{highlight(40)}}} cm^2