I guess this is a simple problem if u read it carefully.

Since initially the table top is a square let it have a side if a.

initial area = a * a.

now the dimentions are altered and it is no longer a square.
so take L = a - 1
B = a + 2

u can even take it the other way.
B = a - 1 and L = a + 2. that wont be a problem

From option A :

L * B = 70

Above we have L and B in terms of a. so

(a-1) * (a+2) = 70

solve for a.
You wil get the initial surface area by using the formla
initial area = a * a.


From option B:

This option says there is a 25 % increase in one of the dimentions.

the questions says only one dimention increases (a + 2) while the other decreases.

so of the increase is 25 % then:

(125/100) * a = 2.

From this a can be found out.
To find out initial area use the formula.

initial area = a * a.



I guess it was simple.

Regards,
Vignesh[/i]