Question

type the correct answer in the box. use numerals instead of words. if necessary, use / for the fraction bar. the length of each side of a square increases by 2.5 inches to form a new square with a perimeter of 70 inches. the length of each side of the original square was inches.

Explanation:

Step1: Find side length of new square

The perimeter of a square is given by \( P = 4s \), where \( s \) is the side length. For the new square, \( P = 70 \) inches. So, we solve for \( s \) of the new square:
\( 70 = 4s \)
\( s=\frac{70}{4}=17.5 \) inches.

Step2: Find side length of original square

Let the side length of the original square be \( x \). The new side length is \( x + 2.5 \), and we found the new side length is \( 17.5 \) inches. So:
\( x + 2.5 = 17.5 \)
Subtract \( 2.5 \) from both sides:
\( x = 17.5 - 2.5 = 15 \)

Answer:

15