Let X be the lower number.
The problem is: minimize X(X+8).
Let Y=X(X+8)=X2+8X.
The vertex of this parabola is the minimum since it points up.
The X-coordinate of the vertex is -8/2 = -4.
So the minimum product is -4*4 = -16.
Note the two numbers here are -4 and 4.
Verify (using calculus)
dY/dX = 2X + 8 = 0 iff X = -8/2 = -4.
, implies Y = -16.
11
Sum of squares? Product?
Suppose the smaller of the two numbers is x. Then the other number is x+22. Their product is x*(x+22) = x2 + 22x This has a minimum when 2x = -22 or x = -11. When x = 11, the two numbers are -11 and 11 with a product of -121.
Suppose the smaller of the two numbers is x. Then the larger is x + 16 and their product is x*(x+16) = x2 + 16x This has its minimum when 2x = -16 or x = -8 When x = -8, the two numbers are -8 and 8 and their product is -64.
-76 and 76 whose product is -5776.
-14 and 14, giving a product of -196.
11
37
3.7 and 3.8
-12
Sum of squares? Product?
12 & 16
Suppose the smaller of the two numbers is x. Then the other number is x+22. Their product is x*(x+22) = x2 + 22x This has a minimum when 2x = -22 or x = -11. When x = 11, the two numbers are -11 and 11 with a product of -121.
Suppose the smaller of the two numbers is x. Then the larger is x + 16 and their product is x*(x+16) = x2 + 16x This has its minimum when 2x = -16 or x = -8 When x = -8, the two numbers are -8 and 8 and their product is -64.
85
-76 and 76 whose product is -5776.
-5 * 5 = -25