Question

When each side of a square was reduced by $2$ meters, its area became $49sq.m$. What was the side of the first square?

Answer 1

Let the side of first square $=x$ meters

Each side of square is reduced by $2$ meters

$\therefore$ Side of new square $=(x-2)$ meters

Area of new square $=49$ sq meters

$(x-2{)}^2=49$

$(x-2)=\pm 7$

$x-2=7$, $x-2=-7$

$x=7+2$, $x=-7+2$

$x=9$ $x=-5$

Not possible

$\therefore$ Side of first square $=9$ meters.