The figure is made up of two identical squares and has a perimeter of 42 inches. What is the area of one square?

first solve for the perimeter of the rectangle

2w + 2l = 42

since the length of the rectangle is twice as long as the length and width of the square

2w = l

solve using substitution

2w + 2 (2w) = 42

2w + 4w = 42

6w = 42

w = 7

are is length x width. a square has the same length and width

7 x 7 = 49

the area of one square is 49