Question 1189785
.
The square of 9 less than a number is 3 less than the number. What is the number?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


<pre>
Let n denotes a number under the problem's question.


Equation

    (n-9)^2 = n-3


Simplify and find n

    n^2 - 18n + 81 = n-3

    n^2 - 19n + 84 = 0

    (n-12)*(n-7) = 0


The roots are  n= 7  and n= 12.


Both the roots satisfy the problem's description, so they both are the solutions to the problem.
</pre>

Solved.


Actually, the problem's description is ambiguous and can be read and interpreted in different way;

I presented here one of possible interpretations with the solution.