Write an equation to solve; if one less than the square of a number, N, is one more than the number, find the number.

Answer 1

From the word problem we get

N² - 1 = N + 1

Now solve

N² - 1 = N + 1

N² - N - 1 = 1

N² - N - 2 = 0

(N - 2) * (N + 1) = 0

N = 2 & -1

N could be 2 or -1

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Always check your work!

N² - 1 = N + 1

2² - 1 = 2 + 1

4 - 1 = 3

3 = 3 CORRECT!!

N² - 1 = N + 1

(-1)² - 1 = -1 + 1

1 - 1 = -1 + 1

0 = 0 CORRECT!!