Answer:
The perimeter of a square is given by the formula P = 4s, where s is the side length. In this case, we are given that the perimeter is (12x - 32) feet, so we can set up an equation:
P = 4s
(12x - 32) = 4s
To solve for s, we can divide both sides by 4:
(12x - 32)/4 = s
Simplifying the expression on the left:
3x - 8 = s
Therefore, the expression in simplest form that represents the side length of the square wrestling mat is 3x - 8 feet.