Answer:
7 or 12
Step-by-step explanation:
Write the words into a math expression converting these words into symbols:
The square of 9 less than a number can be written as [tex](n-9)^2[/tex].
Is 3 less than a number can be written as (n-3).
Set them equal and solve for n by factoring.
[tex](n-9)^2=n-3\\n^2-18n+81=n-3\\n^2-19n+84=0\\(n-7)(n-12)=0\\[/tex]
To solve for n, set each factor equal to 0 through the zero product property.
n-7=0 so n=7.
n-12=0 so n=12.
