The length of each side of a square increases by 2.5 inches to form a new square with a perimeter of 70 inches. The length of each side of the original square was _________ inches.

Question

data_lg2 · Answer

Perimeter is the total length of the sides of a polygon. A square has 4 equal sides, so the formula for its perimeter is $\sf P=L1+L2 +L3 + L4= 4L$
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From your question we have square which was increased by 2.5 and will have a perimeter of 70 inches, so your equation will look like this: $\sf 70 = 4 \times 2.5 \times L$

Now you have to find the value of L by simplifying the equation: $\sf 70 = 4 \times 2.5 \times L$

data_lg2 · Answer

can you try solving it? If you get stuck, don't hesitate to ask (:

xjason · Answer

i dont get this

data_lg2 · Answer

which part you did not get?

xjason · Answer

l

xjason · Answer

L

data_lg2 · Answer

I use the variable "L" as representation for the side of the square...

xjason · Answer

oh ok

data_lg2 · Answer

$\sf P=side\ length + side\ length + side\ length  + side\ length  = 4 \times side\ length $

we have to multiply 2.5 because the square is increased, and the perimeter becomes 70:

$\sf 70= 4 \times side\ length \times 2.5$

data_lg2 · Answer

Maybe we can do solve it together... let's do the right side first. What is $\sf 2.5 \times 4$?

xjason · Answer

10

data_lg2 · Answer

right.. so now you have: $\sf 70= 10 \times side\ length$

Now you have to divide both sides by 10, what will you get?

xjason · Answer

wait so divide 70 and side lengths by 10

data_lg2 · Answer

yes.... divide 70 by 10 and divide 10 side lengths by 10

xjason · Answer

ok

xjason · Answer

let me do it

data_lg2 · Answer

okay, tell me what you will get ^_^

xjason · Answer

im not sure how you divide 10 side lengths by 10

data_lg2 · Answer

the 10s will get cancelled out ^_^

data_lg2 · Answer

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