# Thread: Word Problem I got sort of right I think

1. ## Word Problem I got sort of right I think

Two squares are such that the sum of their areas are 11m^2 and the difference of their area are 7m^2. Find the length of a side of each square.

this is what i attempted and i think it's sort of right

( A * B ) + ( A * B ) = 11m^2

( A * B ) - ( A * B ) = 7m^2

2a + 2b = sqrt 11 = 3.316

2a - 2b = sqrt 7 = 2.645

2. ## Re: Word Problem I got sort of right I think

Two squares are such that the sum of their areas are 11m^2 and the difference of their area are 7m^2.
$a^2+b^2=11$

$a^2-b^2=7$

--------------------

$2a^2=18$

finish it ...

a^2 = 18 / 2

a ^ 2 = 9

sqrt a = 3

4. ## Re: Word Problem I got sort of right I think

Originally Posted by diehardmath4
a^2 = 18 / 2

a ^ 2 = 9

sqrt a = 3
$a=3$, not $\sqrt{a} = 3$

what about $b$?

5. ## Re: Word Problem I got sort of right I think

sub in a = 3 into equation #2

a^2 - b^2 = 7

a = 3

3 - b^2 = 7

b^2 = 7 - 3

b^2 = 4

sqrt b = sqrt 4

b = 2

6. ## Re: Word Problem I got sort of right I think

$3^2+b^2=11$

... try again