Let us assume that W is the width of the border tile (with the units of ft.). Also, let A be the are which is equivalent to 296 sqft.
We establish this mathematical equation:
(28+2W)(42+2W)−28×42=296
Then algebraically manipulate:(14+W)(21+W)−14×21=74
W2+35W−74=0
Lastly, we factor:
(W+37)(W−2)=0
W=2