One number is 2 less than the square of another. Their sum is 18. Find the numbers.
A) 22, -4 or 13, 5
B) 14, -4 or 23, 5 or 24, 6
C) -28, 46 or 46, -28
D) 14, 4 or 23, -5 or 15, 3
E) 14, 4 or 23, -5

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Let the two numbers be x and y, with x being the square of y minus 2 (x = y^2 - 2). Their sum is given as x + y = 18. Solving these equations simultaneously, we find that the pairs (14, 4) and (23, -5) satisfy both conditions.

One Number Is 2 Less Than the Square of Another