Question

If x + y = 6 and xy = 8, find the value of x – y.

Answer 1

Given: x + y = 6 and xy = 8

We need to find x – y.

Step-wise calculation:

1. Recall the identity:

(x – y)² = (x + y)² – 4xy

2. Substitute the known values:

(x – y)² = 6² – 4 × 8

(x – y)² = 36 – 32

(x – y)² = 4

3. Take the square root of both sides:

x – y = ±2

The value of x – y is either 2 or –2.