Question

The product of two positive numbers is 48. the larger number is 13 more than the smaller. Find both numbers [Only an algebraic solution will be accepted.]

Answer 1

Larger number:

16

Smaller number

3

Step-by-step explanation:

Larger number: 16

Smaller number: 3

Step-by-step explanation:

Suppose the larger number is

a

and the smaller number is

b

.

You solve the following system of equations:

a⋅b=48

a−13=b

Since b is a −13, you can plug that into a⋅b=48, so...a⋅(a−13)=48

a 2−13a=48

a2−13a−48=0

Factor the polynomial:

(a−16)(a+3)=0

a=16 or a=−3a is positive so a=16.

We can now solve for b by plugging in a, so...16−13=b3=b We have a=16 and b=3, meaning that the larger number is 16 and the smaller number is 3.