The diagram shows a square. (7x + 3)cm (5x + 8) cm
Find the length of the side of the square.

x = 5/2cm

Step-by-step explanation:

Because this is a square and each side is equal to each other in length, we can say:

7x + 3 = 5x + 8

We can start rearranging this equation to collect like terms:

7x = 5x + 8 - 3

7x = 5x + 5

7x - 5x = 5

2x = 5

x = 5/2

We can test this out by substituting our new found value for x into the original equation:

7 * (5/2) + 3 = 5 * (5/2) + 8

(35/2) + 3 = (25/2) + 8

I'm going to change the integers (3 and 8) to fractions so the arithmetic is easier, as they'll all have the same denominator.

(35/2) + (6/2) = (25/2) + (16/2)

(41/2) = (41/2)

So as you can see above, with x = 5/2, both sides are equal.

You don't need to put the fractions in brackets; I just do that to make it look a little less messy.

Also, I've only included the units (cm) in the answer. I don't like using units when doing calculations, but your teacher may ask you to perform the calculations using the units throughout.

send it over

step-by-step explanation: