Question

A square area of land is 144 square feet. What is the length of one side of a fence around the area?

1.)144 ft
2.)11ft
3.)-12ft
4.)12ft

Answer 1

4.) 12 ft

Explanation:

The formula for the area of a square is A = s², where s is the side and A is the area

If A = 144

144 = s²

(12)² and (-12)² both equal 144, but you cannot have a negative distance

Therefore, the answer is 12 ft

Answer 2

4.) 12ft

Explanation:

You solve the area of a square using the following equation:

Area of a square = s²

Plug in 144 for Area of a square:

144 = s²

Isolate the variable, s. Root both sides of the equation.

√144 = √s²

s = √144 = √(12 * 12) = 12

4.) 12ft is your answer.

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