Question

The difference of two positive numbers is 4 and the sum of their squares is 136. Find the numbers.
the biggest number=
the smallest number=

Answer 1

let the numbers be x and y

x - y = 4

and x^2 + y^2 = 136

you need to solve simultaneously using the substitution method

taking the difference equation then

x = y + 4

substitute it into the squares equation

(y + 4)^2 + y^2 = 136

you will have to solve a quadratic...

remember the numbers are positive so only use the positive solution for y