One more than a number times one less than a number is 24. Find the numbers.

Question

One more than a number times one less than a number is 24. Find the numbers

Answer 1

(x + 1)(x - 1) = 24

FOIL

x² - x + x - 1 = 24

Simplify

x² - 1 = 24

add 1 to both sides

x² = 25

Take the square root

x = 5

 

check

x + 1 = 6; x - 1 = 4

6 * 4 = 24