Answer:
[tex]w(w+2)=48[/tex] can be used by John.
Step-by-step explanation:
John has 48 square centimeter tiles he wants to use to create a mosaic.
We can say that 48 square cm is the area of the rectangle.
Let the width of the mosaic be = w
So, given is, He wants the mosaic to be rectangular with a length that is 2 centimeters longer than the width.
[tex]l=w+2[/tex]
Now area of rectangle is given as = [tex]length\times width[/tex]
[tex]48=l\times w[/tex]
Substituting l= w+2
[tex]48=(w+2)\times w[/tex] square cm
Hence, the equation John can use to solve and find w, the greatest width in centimeters he can use for the mosaic is :
[tex]w(w+2)=48[/tex]