Question

1. A piece of wire that is 28 inches long is cut into two pieces, each of which is then bent into the shape of a

square. The larger square has side lengths that are three inches longer than the smaller square.
(a) If x is the side length of the smaller square and y is the side length of the larger square, write a system of
equations that models this scenario.
(b) Solve the system of equations and determine the lengths of the two pieces of wire.

Answer 1

1: So one side is 5

2: Other side is 2

Explanation:

1)

4(x+3)+4x=28

Solve

4x+12+4x=28

Combine

8x+12=28

Isolate

8x=16

Isolate

x=2

Substitute

4(2+3)=20

4*2=8

Now find each side

20/4=5

8/4=2