The difference of the square of a number and 32 is equal to 4 times that number. Find the positive solution.

Answer 1

Let n be the number.

The difference between the square of a number and 32 is equal to 4 times that number.

Let's perform an English to Algebra translation. In Algebra speak, this is

n² - 32 = 4n

n² - 4n - 32 = 0

(n - 8)(n + 4) = 0

n = 8

n = -4

Check

8² - 32 = 4(8)

64 - 32 = 32 Yes

(-4)² - 32 = 4(-4)

16 - 32 = -16 Check