sum is 42; product is 185; find the two numbers

giovanna

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The homework problem that is giving me trouble is:
The sum of two numbers is 42, their product is 185, what are the two numbers?
I've tried using an equation like 'a+b=42,& a*b=185, but i hit a dead end. can you please help me?
 
giovanna said:
The sum of two numbers is 42, their product is 185, what are the two numbers?
I've tried using an equation like 'a+b=42,& a*b=185, but....
Solve the first equation for one of the variables. Plug this into the other equation. Solve the resulting quadratic. :wink:

Eliz.
 
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