Question

If each side of a square patio is increased by 4 feet, the area of the patio would be 196 square feet. Solve the equation (s+4)2=196 for s to find the length of a side of the patio

Answer 1

Answer:

The answer to your question is initial length = 10 ft final length = 14 ft

Step-by-step explanation:

Data

length = s

Area = 196

Equation

                        (s + 4)² = 196

Expand

                        s² + 8s + 16 = 196

Solve for s

                        s² + 8s + 16 - 196 = 0

                        s² + 8s - 180 = 0

Factor

                        (s + 18)(s - 10) = 0

Find s₁ and s₂

                         s₁ + 18 = 0           s₂ - 10 = 0

                         s₁ = -18                s₂ = 10                      

Conclusion

The initial length of a side was 10 ft, because the are no negative lengths -18 is discarded.