Question 16 • Algebra II
Let the original side length be s inches. After 3 inches are cut off, the smaller square has side length s − 3, and its area is one-fourth of the original area: (s − 3)² = s²/4. Taking positive square roots gives s − 3 = s/2, so s = 6. The original square’s side length is 6 inches, choice B.
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