SOLUTION: Separate 72 into two parts so that the first part is the square of the second. Let x represent the first part.

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Question 144700: Separate 72 into two parts so that the first part is the square of the second. Let x represent the first part.
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x%2Bx%5E2=72 Translate the word problem into the given equation


x%2Bx%5E2-72=0 Subtract 72 from both sides.


x%5E2%2Bx-72=0 Rearrange the terms



%28x%2B9%29%28x-8%29=0 Factor the left side (note: if you need help with factoring, check out this solver)



Now set each factor equal to zero:
x%2B9=0 or x-8=0

x=-9 or x=8 Now solve for x in each case


So our answers are
x=-9 or x=8



So -9%2B81=72 or 8%2B64=72