What two numbers multiply to 72 and add up to -17?

Here we answer the question: "What two numbers multiply to 72 and add up to -17?"

The answer to your question is:

-9 and -8

Below we illustrate and prove that -9 and -8 multiply to 72 and add up to -17:

-9 × -8 = 72
-9 + -8 = -17

Are you asking because you are trying to figure out how to factor the following quadratic equation?

x² - 17x + 72 = 0

If so, the solution to factor the quadratic equation above is:

(x - 9 ) (x - 8)

To summarize, since -9 and -8 multiply to 72 and add up -17, you know that the following is true:

x² - 17x + 72 = (x - 9 ) (x - 8)

Multiply To One Number and Add Up To Another
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