Find two positive numbers that differ by 2 and have a product of 20.?

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the only problem im having is that all the choices have square roots what is the formula

2007-01-29 08:14:44 · 3 answers · asked by missy w 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help

x=y-2
xy=20
Substitute y-2 for x in the second equation, then use foil to solve.

2007-01-29 08:25:52 · answer #1 · answered by ????? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋

n (n-2) = 20
so,
n squared (sorry don't have superscript) - 2n =20

n squared = 20-2n, so n = square root of 20-2n
= square root of 2(10-n)

2007-01-29 08:25:06 · answer #2 · answered by Lady in Red 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋

It's a guess off the top of my head but if they differ then it must be
x-y=2
xy=20

then you just solve the system

2007-01-29 08:20:39 · answer #3 · answered by Maakies 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋