297 cm is the total surface area of the square pyramid
Since it’s in percents, put the percent over 100 as a fraction and simplify them. For percents that aren’t given, add the rest and subtract it from 100 and then place it as a fraction over 100
First consider (x+c)^2 where c is just a random constant. if we expand this by foil (which is distributive property twice), we get x^2 + 2cx+ c^2. we want to find c^2 and to do that, we can first find c. we can find c by looking at the 2cx term. this term should match with 12x, so therefore 2c = 12 so c = 6. this also implies that c^2 = 36.
note that for this problem i was working backwards which is a very powerful problem solving tool: start with what you want to attain, and then see how you can go from where you are now to get to your destination.
let me know if you have any questions!!!
Answer: 26
Step-by-step explanation:
