1. ## Word Problem Help

If the length of a side of a square is increased by 3 centimeter, the perimeter of the new square is 40 centimeters more than twice the length of the side of the original square. Find the length of the side of the original square.

Help thanks

2. Originally Posted by JonathanEyoon
If the length of a side of a square is increased by 3 centimeter, the perimeter of the new square is 40 centimeters more than twice the length of the side of the original square. Find the length of the side of the original square.

Help thanks
Let $\displaystyle x$ be the side length of the original square.
Let $\displaystyle P$ be the perimeter of the new square

Then $\displaystyle P = 4(x + 3)$

Now we are told that $\displaystyle P = 2x + 40$

$\displaystyle \Rightarrow 4(x + 3) = 2x + 40$

Now we just solve for $\displaystyle x$. I think you can take it from here

3. Originally Posted by Jhevon
Let $\displaystyle x$ be the side length of the original square.
Let $\displaystyle P$ be the perimeter of the new square

Then $\displaystyle P = 4(x + 3)$

Now we are told that $\displaystyle P = 2x + 40$

$\displaystyle \Rightarrow 4(x + 3) = 2x + 40$

Now we just solve for $\displaystyle x$. I think you can take it from here
Thanks so much for the help. Question where did you get the 4 from?

Nevermind. My problem in doing this was I used 2L+2W=P instead of 4L=P. Thanks for the help =)