One positive number exceeds three times another positive number by 5. The product of the two numbers is 68. Find the number

Answer:12

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the numbers be a and b

a-3b=5 ... equation (1)

There product is:

ab=68 ... equation (2)

From equation (1)

a-3b=5

Make a the subject of the formula

a=5+3b ... equation (3)

Substitute equation (3) into equation (2)

(5+3b) b=68

3 (b^2) + 3b-68=0

The product is - 204b^2 (17 and - 12)

(b+17) (b-12) = 0

b=-17 or b=12

So the number is 12