Question 992141
.
(20-x)*(17-x) = 180.


180 = 12*15  is an appropriate factorization of  180  into the product of two numbers that differs in  3. 


So,  20-x = 15  (greater of these two factors),


which implies 


x = 5.


180 = (-12)*(-15)  is also an appropriate factorization of  180  into the product of two numbers that differs in  3. 


So,  20-x = -12, 


which implies 


x = 32.


<U>Answer</U>. &nbsp;Two solutions are &nbsp;x=5&nbsp; and &nbsp;x=32.


P.S. &nbsp;Surely, &nbsp;you can solve the quadratic equation above by using the quadratic formula.