x=original length of each side of the square.
perimeter: sum of all sides=4(length of the side)
The length of each side of the new square will be= (x-2)
we can suggest this equation:
4(x-2)=48
We solve this equation:
4(x-2)=48
4x-8=48
4x=48+8
4x=56
x=56/4
x=14
Answer: the original length of each side of the square would be 14 in.
