What size squares should be cut to attain this area?

Question

A square piece of tin, 8 in. on a side has four equal squares cut from its corners. This new figure is to have an area of 55 sq in. What size squares should be cut to attain this area?

Answer 1

The original piece of tin was 8x8 = 64 square inches.  After we cut out the squares, we will have a piece that is 55 sq in.    

 

64-55 = 9 sq in.  Now, the 9 sq in is the total from all 4 squares.  That means 1 square is 9/4 sq in or   2.25 sq in.

 

Remember that if it's a square, it has the same length on each side.  Length x Width gives area.  In a square, the Length and the Width are equal.  LW = 2.25  means L x L = 2.25 sq in.

 

L² = 2.25 sq in.

 

L = √2.25 sq in.    

 

L = 1.5 in.

 

Recall that Length and Width are equal.  Therefore your squares should be 1.5 in x 1.5 in.