The width and the length of a rectangle are consecutive even integers. if the width is decreased by 3 inches, then the area of the resulting rectangle is 24 square inches. what is the area of the original rectangle? 12 square inches 48 square inches 96 square inches

Consecutive even integers =   x,  x + 2

(x - 3)(x + 2) = 24               Since width x, was decreased by 3.

If we test x = 6,    (6 - 3)(6 + 2) =   3*(8) = 24

So to    (x - 3)(x + 2) = 24,   x = 6 satisfies it.

The original rectangle = x,  x + 2 =   6,  6 + 2 =    6,   8

Original area = 6*8 = 48 square inches

If that's an answer