SOLUTION: A negative number is 56 less than its square. Find the number.

Hi

Let x represent this negative number

Question states***

 x = x^2 -56

 Solving for x

  x^2 - x -56 = 0

factoring

 (x-8)(x+7)= 0 |Note:SUM of the inner product(-8x) and the outer product(7x) = -x

  (x-8)=0   x = 8   Tossing out this solution (need negative number)

  (x+7)= 0  

    x = -7, the negative number



CHECKING our Answer***

  -7 = 49-56