Ratio, Proportion and Percentages Puzzle – Challenge 30
This is a perfect math puzzle for those who love challenging their brain. The solution is also provided.

Challenge:
The product of two numbers is 216 and their sum is 35. What is their difference?
The Absolute Best Book to challenge your Smart Student!

The correct answer is 19.
Let x be the first number and y the next number. Therefore:
\(xy = 216\) and \(x + y = 35\). Solve the second equation for x:
\(x + y = 35 → x = 35 – y\)
Replace the value of x in the second equation with x in the first equation.
\(xy = 216 → (35 – y) y = 216 →35y – y^2 = 216 →\)
\(y^2 – 35y + 216 = 0\)
Factorize the polynomial: \((y – 8) (y – 27) = 0\)
\(y = 8\) or \(y = 27\)
The difference is 19.
The Absolute Best Books to Ace Algebra
Related to This Article
More math articles
- 10 Most Common 3rd Grade ACT Aspire Math Questions
- How to Calculate the Areas of Triangles and Quadrilaterals
- Top 10 4th Grade MCAS Math Practice Questions
- How to Unravel the Ties: Relationships Between Decimal Place Values
- How much does the CBEST Test Cost?
- How to Find Inverse of a Function? (+FREE Worksheet!)
- 10 Most Common 7th Grade PARCC Math Questions
- Is It Possible to Improve at Math Without Extra Tutoring
- Mastering the Midpoint & Distance on the Number Line
- How to Apply Comparison, Ratio, and Root Tests
What people say about "Ratio, Proportion and Percentages Puzzle – Challenge 30 - Effortless Math: We Help Students Learn to LOVE Mathematics"?
No one replied yet.