Question

(x - 2)^2 = 64 yards^2
where x - 2 is the length of one side.
what is the value of x?

Explanation:

Step1: Take square roots of both sides

$\sqrt{(x-2)^2} = \sqrt{69}$
$x-2 = \pm\sqrt{69}$

Step2: Calculate $\sqrt{69}$ (approximate)

$\sqrt{69} \approx 8.306$

Step3: Solve for positive x (length can't be negative)

$x - 2 = 8.306$
$x = 8.306 + 2$

Step4: Solve for negative x (discard, invalid length)

$x - 2 = -8.306$
$x = -8.306 + 2 = -6.306$ (rejected, since length can't be negative)

Answer:

$x \approx 10.31$ yards (or exactly $x = 2 + \sqrt{69}$ yards)