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One positive integer is 3 less than a second positive integer. The sum of the squares of the two integers is 65. What is the value of the larger integer?

User Jim Hayes
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Let x represent the smaller positive integer and let y represent the larger integer.

Given:

One positive integer is 3 less than a second positive integer, we have the equation:

x = y - 3

The sum of the squares of the two integers is 65, we have the equation:

x² + y² = 65

Therefore, we have the set of equations:

x = y - 3.....................equation 1

x² + y² = 65.............equation 2

Since y represents the larger integer, let's find the value of y by solving both equations simultaneously using substitution method.

Substitute (y - 3) for x in equation 2:

x² + y² = 65

(y - 3)² + y² = 65

(y - 3)(y - 3) + y² = 65

y² - 3y - 3y + 9 + y² = 65

Combine like terms:

y² + y² - 3y - 3y + 9 = 65

2y² - 6y + 9 = 65

Subtract 65 from both sides:

2y² - 6y + 9 - 65 = 65 - 65

2y² - 6y - 56 = 0

Factor the left side of the equation:

2(y - 7)(y + 4) = 0

We have the factors:

y - 7 = 0 y + 4 = 0

Add 7 to both sides: Subtract 4 from both sides:

y - 7 + 7 = 0 + 7 y + 4 - 4 = 0 - 4

y = 7 y = -4

Thus, we have the values of y:

y = 7, y = -4

Since the interge

User Bernatfortet
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