Question

A large square carpet is initially x inches long and x inches wide. Randy decides to trim 4 inches off each edge of the carpet because the edges are worn. Later he goes back and trims 5 more inches off each edge. (c) How many square inches of material were removed in the second trim job? Express the area removed in the second trim job (T2) as a function of x

Answer 1

this can get pretty complicated but in general

trimmed area = original area - remaining area

original area is x^2
(length * width)

T1 (first trim) = x^2 - (x-4-4)^2 (try drawing this out and you will see why the 4 gets subtracted twice)

T2 (second trim) = T1 - (x - 4 - 4 - 5 -5)^2

I hope this is right, if somebody could double check me that would be awesome >_>