Question

The sum of the squares of two consecutive positive numbers is 1,105. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

23 and 24

Explanation:

let the 2 consecutive numbers be n and n + 1 , then

n² + (n + 1)² = 1105

n² + n² + 2n + 1 = 1105 ( subtract 1105 from both sides )

2n² + 2n - 1104 = 0 ( divide through by 2 )

n² + n - 552 = 0 ← in standard form

(n + 24)(n - 23) = 0 ← in factored form

equate each factor to zero and solve for n

n + 24 = 0 ⇒ n = - 24

n - 23 = 0 ⇒ n = 23

However, n > 0 , then n = 23 and n+ 1 = 23 + 1 = 24

the numbers are 23 and 24