Question

One of the two positive integers is 5 less than the other. If the product of the two integers is 24, find the integers.

Answer 1

Hello from MrBillDoesMath!

Answer:

3,8

Discussion:

Let "n" and "p" be the two positive integers. Then

n = p - 5   (*)

and

np = 24  (**)

Substituting  (*) in (**) gives

np = 24                            =>    as  p = n+5

n(n+5) = 24                      =>

n^2 + 5n - 24 = 0             =>   factor polynomial (n+8)(n-3)

So n = 3 or -8 but as n is positive, n = 3 Then p  = n + 5 = 8

Check:

Is n (3) 5 less than p (8). Yes

Does np = 3 *8 24. Yes

Thank you,

MrB