Question

The difference of the square of a number and 16 is equal to 6 times that number. Find the negative solution.

Answer 1

Answer:

The negative solution is -2

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the number be x

x² - 16 = 6x

Equate the equation to zero (0)

x² - 6x -16 = 0

Factorize

x² + 2x -8x - 16 = 0

x(x + 2) -8(x + 2) = 0

Therefore,

(x-8) (x +2) = 0

x -8 = 0         or           x +2 = 0

x = 8             or            x = -2

The negative solution is -2