Question

The sum of two numbers is 9 and the sum of their squares is 41. What is the smaller number

Answer 1

let the numbers be X , Y.
X+Y=9
X²+Y²=41
(X+Y)²=X²+Y²+2XY
81=41+2XY
2XY=40
XY=20
(X-Y)²=X²+Y² -2XY
(X-Y)²=41-40
X-Y=1
X+Y=9
2X=10
X=5
5+Y=9
Y=4

Answer 2

Let the smaller number be x

x+y= 9

x^2+y^2=41

Hope it helps you