SOLUTION: one positive number is 3 larger than another number. The sum of their squares is 17. Find the numbers.

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: one positive number is 3 larger than another number. The sum of their squares is 17. Find the numbers.       Log On


   

Question 343976: one positive number is 3 larger than another number. The sum of their squares is 17. Find the numbers.
Answer by unlockmath(1688) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hello,
Let x be one number and y be the other so we can set up 2 equation:
x=y+3
x^2+y^2=17
Substitute the first into the second equation:
(y+3)^2 +y^2=17
Rewrite this as:
y^2+6y+9+y^2-17=0
Now combine like terms:
2y^2+6y-8=0
Factor this to get:
(2y+8)(y-1)=0
Solve for y:
y=1
y=-4
The only number that works here is:
y=1 So x=4
Make sense?
RJ
www.math-unlock.com