The total area of two square windows is 1,025 in.^2. each side of the larger window is 5 in. longer than the sides of the smaller window. how long are the sides of the smaller window

The area of a square is expressed as:

Area = s^2

We are given the area of both windows. We will use this value for the calculations. We set s as the side of the larger window and a for the smaller window.

Total area = Area larger + area smaller

1025 = s^2 + a^2

Since it was said that the side of the larger window, s is 5 in longer than the side of the smaller window, a (s = 5+a) then:

1025 = s^2 + a^2

1025 = (5+a) ^2 + a^2

simplifying we obtain,

a = 20 inches