Problema Solution

If two opposite sides of a square are each increased by 12", and the other two sides are each increased 4", a rectangle is formed having a perimeter double that of the square. How long are the sides of the square?

Answer provided by our tutors

let


x = the length of each side of the square, x>0


the perimeter of the square is: P1 = 4x


x + 12 and x + 4 are the sides of the rectangle


the perimeter of the rectangle is: P2 = 2(x + 12 + x + 4)


the rectangle's perimeter is double that of the square:


P2 = 2*P1


2(x + 12 + x + 4) = 2*4x


by solving we find:


x = 8


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the length of the side of the square is 8".