Carlos E.

asked • 05/15/17

the sum of two numbers is 41 and their product is 400. find the 2 numbers.

How do I set up an equation for this problem.

1 Expert Answer

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Arturo O. answered • 05/15/17

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Let the 2 numbers be x and y.
 
x + y = 41
xy = 400
 
Solve this system of 2 equations.  Try substitution.  Can you finish from here?
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Arturo O.

I went ahead and solved it for you:
 
y = 41 - x
 
xy = x(41 - x) = 400
 
-x2 + 41x - 400 = 0
 
x = 16 or 25
 
y = 41 - x = 25 or 16
 
Either way, the two numbers are 16 and 25.
 
xy = (16)(25) = 400
x + y = 16 + 25 = 41
 
The answers of 16 and 25 check out.
 
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05/15/17

Carlos E.

thanks a ton! this helped so much.
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05/15/17

Arturo O.

You are welcome, Carlos.
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05/15/17

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