Let the original side length be x. Then (x+2)^(in)^2 = 121 sq in.
Thus, x^2 + 4x + 4 = 121;
x^2 + 4x - 117 = 0 = (x-13)(x+9) = 0. Then x = 13 and x = -9.
We need to discard the negative result (-9).
The side of the original square is 9 inches. (answer)
Check: does (9+2)^2 = 121? Does 11^2 = 121? YES.
