The formula for finding the area of a rug: [tex]A = s^2[/tex]
Plugging in the values we know, we can solve for s.
[tex]79 = s^2[/tex]
Take the square root of both sides.
[tex]\sqrt{79} = s[/tex]
[tex]\sqrt{79}[/tex] is approximately equal to 8.89
So, 8.89 feet is the answer.