Question

what is the difference in the areas of a square and rectangle if the rectangle has side lengths 4 less and 4 more than a square? use algebra or a geometric model to compare the areas and justify your answer

Answer 1

the rectangle dimensions will be (a + 4) and (a - 4) with an area of

$a^2-16$

Therefore, the area of the rectangle is 16 square units less than the area of the original square.