Question

6 times a number is 27 less than the square of that number. Find the
positive solution.

Answer 1

x = 9

Explanation:

To solve these problems, you first set up an equation representing the information given.

6x = x² - 27

This turns into a quadratic equation which you need to factor out.

0 = x² - 6x - 27

You want to choose two numbers that multiply to -27, and add up to -6

0 = (x - 9)(x + 3)

If you're unfamiliar with factoring, you take the opposite sign of the number in the parentheses because it's a shortcut when setting it equal to 0.

x = 9, -3

Since it asks for the positive solution only, the answer is x = 9.

I hope this helps!