The ages of Tosan and Isa differ by 6 and the product of their ages...

JAMB 1986

The ages of Tosan and Isa differ by 6 and the product of their ages is 187. Write their ages in the form (x, y), where x > y.

A. (12, 6)
B. (23, 17)
C. (17, 11)
D. (18, 12)

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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation

x - y = 6.......(i)

xy = 187.......(ii)

From equation (i), x(6 + y)

sub. for x in equation (ii) = y(6 + y)

= 187

y² + 6y = 187

y² + 6y - 187 = 0

(y + 17)(y - 11) = 0

y = -17 or y = 11

y cannot be negative, y = 11

Sub. for y in equation(i) = x - 11

= 16

x = 6 + 11

= 17

∴(x, y) = (17, 11)

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