If the sides of a square are lengthened by 5m, the area becomes 196cm^2. Find the length of a side of the original square.

Question

If the sides of a square are lengthened by 5m, the area becomes 196cm^2.  Find the length of a side of the original square.

anonymous · Answer

$$A=s^{2}$$ for a regular square
For this square, $$A=(s+5)^{2}$$ so $$196=(s+5)^{2}$$

mertsj · Answer

(x+5)^2=196
x+5=14
x=9

anonymous · Answer

So if s or x = 9, then to find the length of a side of the original square I need to plug 9 into A=s^2, which would be A=9^2, A=81?

mertsj · Answer

No.  9 is the side of the original square.  Notice the equation in relation to the problem.  It says the side of the original square was increased by 5  so x+5 means the original side with 5 added.  So x is the original side.

anonymous · Answer

Ok, I understand.  Thank you.