You can solve this by solving the equation:
x2 + 9x - 144 = 0
This has solutions which are approximately
8.316
and
-17.316
For exact answers, you could enter the coefficients into the quadratic equation.
An equivalent solution comes from the equation -x2 - 9x + 144 = 0, giving
-8.316 and 17.316 as the answer. You can arrive at the quadratic equation in two different ways, depending on the substitution you use.
189
144 negative x negative = positive
They are: 2*2*2*2*3*3 = 144
144 and 126
-137
189
288
144 negative x negative = positive
12x12
289
They are: 2*2*2*2*3*3 = 144
They are: 9 and 16
144 and 126
-137
First, multiply the top numbers: 32x15=480 Then multiply the bottom numbers 12x12=144 Then put the product of the top numbers of the product of the bottom numbers: 480/144 Then reduce! 10/3
4 + 5 = 9 x 16 = 144
Positive and negative roots, eg 12 x 12 = 144 and -12 x -12 = 144