109k views
5 votes
The sum of the squares of two consecutive positive even numbers is 340. Find the numbers.

The consecutive even numbers are
and
.

User Chad Okere
by
5.3k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

12, 14

Explanation:

Let x = smaller positive even integer.

Then x + 2 is the next greater even integer.

Add the squares of the numbers.

x² + (x + 2)²

Set the sum equal to 340.

x² + (x + 2)² = 340

x² + x² + 4x + 4 = 340

2x² + 4x - 336 = 0

x² + 2x - 168 = 0

We need to factor the left side. We need 2 factors of -168 that add to 2.

168 = 2³ × 3 × 7

2² × 3 = 12

2 × 7 = 14

14 × (-12) = -168

14 + (-12) = 2

The factors are 14 and -12.

x² + 2x - 168 = 0

(x - 12)(x + 14) = 0

x - 12 = 0 or x + 14 = 0

x = 12 or x = -14

x = 12

x + 2 = 12 + 2 = 14

Answer: 12, 14

User Fried
by
5.3k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.