area with variagle

I know the answer, but I need to know how to solve the problem using beginning algebra techniques.
A rectangle has an area of 152 square units. The larger side is three more than twice the size of the smaller side. What is the measure of each side?
x (2x + 3) = 152

One side is 8, the other side is 19. My problem is that I can't explain how to get the answer when you end up with 2xsquared + 3x.

Start out by naming stuff.
Make the statement "Let x represent the length of the short side."
Your next statement will be "Then 2x+3 is the ...". (You complete).
Next write your equation based on the fact that the short side times the long side equals the area.
Solve the equation and answer the original question including proper labeling.
Good luck.

No; you end up with 2x^2 + 3x = 152; so 2x^2 + 3x - 152 = 0
Now look up the quadratic equation and you should be ok.