X and y are two positive numbers and y is three greater than x. the product of the numbers is 180. find the smaller number, x.

First positive number (x) = x

Second positive number (y) = x+3

Product: 180 = x · y

180 = x · (x + 3)

180 = x² + 3x

0 = x² + 3x - 180

0 = (x + 15) (x - 12)

0 = x + 15, 0 = x - 12

x = - 15, x = 12

x = - 15 is NOT a positive number so it can be disregarded.

Answer: 12