two numbers differ by 8 and have a product of 40

Answer 1

x-y = 8

XY = 40

x = 40/y

40/y - y = 8

40 - y^2 = 8y

y^2 +8y -40 = 0

factor, graph, complete the square or use the quadratic formula

(y+4)^2 = 40 +16 = 56

y = -4 + or - 2sqr14= about - 11.48 or 3.48

x = 40/(-4 + or -2sqr14) = about 40/-11.48 or 40/3.48 = about -3.48 or 11.48

the two numbers are about -3.48 and -11.48 or 3.48 and 11.48