Question

When 4 is subtracted from the square of a number, the result is 3 times the number. Find the positive solution.

Answer 1

The positive solution is 4.

Explanation:

x^2-4=3x

x^2-3x-4=0

factor out the trinomial

(x-4)(x+1)=0

zero property,

x-4=0, x+1=0

x=0+4=4

x=0-1=-1

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x=4, -1

Answer 2

4

Explanation:

The square of 4 is 16, or 4 times 4.

When you subtract 4 from it, it becomes 3 times 4.

Therefore, 4 is the answer.