What two numbers add to give you 56 and multiply to give you 372?

Answer 1

428

Answer 2

This can be solved using algebra. Let's call one number x, and the other number y. Now, let's write a system of equations that describe the question. That is,

x + y = 56, and

xy = 372.

Dividing both sides of the second equation by y gives us

x = 372 / y.

Substituting this into the first equation,

372 / y + y = 56.

Multiplying both sides by y,

372 + y2 = 56y.

Solving the quadratic equation y2 - 56y + 372 = 0 gives us y = 7.7 or 48.3. If y = 7.7, then x = 372 / 7.7 = 48.3. If y = 48.3, then x = 372 / 48.3 = 7.7. Therefore, the solution can be written as

x = 7.7 and y = 48.3, or

x = 48.3 and y = 7.7.

Thus, the two numbers in question are 7.7 and 48.3.