Question 1064855
Length of each side = x

{{[ (x+2)(x+1) = 42 }}}
{{{ x^2 + 3x + 2 = 42 }}}
{{{ x^2 + 3x - 40 = 0 }}}
{{{  (x-5)(x+8) = 0 }}}

x = 5   or  x = -8  (discard -8 b/c length must be > 0)

If x = 5,  (x+2)(x+1) = (7)(6) = 42  (ok)

Ans:  x={{{highlight(5)}}}in

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Also, area of a square is always in (unit)^2:  e.g.  {{{in^2}}}  not inches.