Question

The product of two numbers is 88. The sum of the two numbers is 26. What are the numbers

Answer 1

The product of the 2 numbers would be 88.

So, do 22 × 4 = 88.

Yet, adding 22 + 4 = 26.

22 and 4 are the numbers used.

Answer 2

let's take the numbers a and b

setup a system of equations:

a+b=26

a*b=88

now solve it using substitution:

1) b=88/a

2)(substitute) a+ 88/a = 26  

3)(add fractions) (a^2+88)/a=26

4)(get polynominal) a^2-26a+88=0

5)(factor) (a-22)(a-4)=0

6) (solve) a=22 OR a = 4

7) (after checking) a= 22 or a=4

and b=22 or b=4