6 times a number is 16 less than the square of that number . Find the positive solution

Answer 1

Hi Chloe,

Here is an equation that can help.

6x = x² -16

First, subtract 6x from both sides.

0 = x² - 6x - 16

Then factor the polynomial

0 = (x - 8)(x + 2)

Set each possible solution equal to zero

x - 8 = 0

x = 8

x + 2 = 0

x = -2

Since, you are only interested in the positive solution, 8 is the answer!