Question

If the lengths of the sides of a square are reduced to 1/6 of their original length, what fraction of the original area is the new area?

Answer 1

The new area is 1/36 of the original area

Explanation:

Let the original length of the sides of the square = S

The original area of the square = S × S = S²

Therefore the new length of the side of the square = S/6

The new area of the square = S/6 × S/6 = S²/36

The original area divided by the new area = S²/(S²/36) = 36

Therefore, the new area is 1/36 of the original area.