Find the number which when added to its square equals 12.

Question

Find the number which when added to its square equals 12.

Answer 1

n + n² = 12

n² + n - 12 = 0

Can you solve for n and answer?

Answer 2

Find the number which when added to its square equals 12.

Let x = the number

x + x² = 12

x² + x - 12 = 0

(x+4)(x-3) = 0 [either factor or use quadratic formula]

Using The Multiplicative Property of Zero,

Either: x+4 = 0 which means that x = -4

-4 + (-4)(-4) = 12

-4 + 16 = 12

12 = 12

or x-3 = 0 which means that x = 3

3 + (3)(3) = 12

3 + 9 = 12

12 = 12