Find Number of Square Units

mathxyz

Junior Member
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Jul 8, 2005
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What is the number of square units in the area of square ABCD
if AB = x - 1 and BC = 5x - 13.

Do I use Area = side squared?
 
Hi mathxyz,

mathxyz said:
Do I use Area = side squared?
Absolutely. But first you must determine the side length, which is currently unknown.

Since ABCD is a square, you know all side lengths are equal. Thus x-1 = 5x-13.

Once you find x, you can calculate the side length and then the area of the square (by squaring the side length).
 
Okay

I planned to find x before using the area of a square formula but I did not know to equate the given sides.
 
It is a square, so you may equate the sides. Can you finish the problem?
 
Matt

Matt,

Yes, I can finish the problem.

Okay, here it is:

What is the number of square units in the area of square ABCD
if AB = x - 1 and BC = 5x - 13.

x - 1 = 5x - 13--->Solve for x

-4x = -13 + 1

-4x = -12

x = -12/-4

x = 3

Area = side squared.

A = 3 squared

A = 9

Yes or no?
 
No; the length of the side is not x. It is either x-1 or 5x-13 (it doesn't matter which one you pick because they are both equal).
 
Re: Matt

Hi mathxyz,

mathxyz said:
x = 3

Area = side squared.

A = 3 squared

A = 9

Yes or no?
No; the length of the side is not x. It is either x-1 or 5x-13 (it doesn't matter which one you pick because they are both equal).
 
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