Question 231443
Let x = first whole number
x+1 = second whole number


(Remember that WHOLE numbers are like 0, 1, 2,3,4, . . .)


x(x+1)=72
x^2 +1 -72=0
(x+9)(x-8)=0
x=-9  or x=8


Reject x=-9 because it is NEGATIVE--it is NOT a whole number!


x=8
x+1=9


It checks because the product is 72.


Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus