Question

The sum of two numbers is 6. The difference of their squares is 12. What is the positive difference of the two numbers?

Answer 1

Let's start by having addends of 2 and 4. We know that 2+ 4=6. When you square 2, you get 4 (2*2= 4) and when you square 4 you get 16 (4*4=16).

And so when you subtract 16-4=12.

Answer 2

Let the numbers be x and y.

"The sum of two numbers is 6.": x + y = 6

"The difference of their squares is 12.": x^2 - y^2 = 12

Solve the system of equations:

x + y = 6
x^2 - y^2 = 12