Question

Divide 12 into two parts such that their product is 32.

Answer 1

Let the first number be ‘X’, so the other number will be ’(12–X)’.

∵ X (12 – X) = 32

12X – X² = 32

X² – 12X + 32 = 0

On factorising further,

X² – 4X – 8X + 32 = 0

X(X – 4) – 8(X – 4) = 0

(X – 4)(X – 8) = 0

So, X = 4 or 8

∴ The numbers are 4 and 8.