Question 629902
Let x be the first number.


The second number would then be x + 3


The sum of the squares would then be:


{{{x^2 + (x+3)^2 = 549}}}   (Given)


{{{x^2 + x^2 + 6x + 9 = 549}}}  (Expand terms)


{{{2x^2 + 6x - 540 = 0}}}   (Subtract 549 from both sides and Add like terms)


{{{x^2 + 3x - 270 = 0}}}     (Divide both sides by 2)


{{{(x+18)*(x-15) = 0}}}   (Factor the equation)


Either (x+18) = 0 or (x-15) = 0


x equals -18 or 15    (Solve for x) 


There are two pairs of numbers that work (-18, -15) and (15, 18)