Answer:
6 in
Step-by-step explanation:
Let x = the side length of the original square.
They removed 3 in from each side of the original square, so the side lengths of the remaining square are x - 3 in.
The area of the smaller square is (x - 3)².
The area of the original square is x²
I assume the area of the smaller square is ¼ that of the original square. Then
1. Solve for x
2. Calculate the side length of the smaller square
(a) x = 2
Side length = x - 3 = 2 - 3 = -1 in.
IMPOSSIBLE. You can't have a negative side length.
(b) x = 6
Side length of smaller square = 6 - 3 = 3 in.
Side length of original square = x = 6 in
Check:
OK.
