To write the quadratic equation \( x^2 + 10x + 16 = 0 \) in its factored form, we need to find two numbers that multiply to the constant term (16) and add up to the coefficient of the linear term (10).
The two numbers that satisfy these conditions are 2 and 8, since:
- \( 2 + 8 = 10 \)
- \( 2 \times 8 = 16 \)
Thus, the factored form of the quadratic equation is:
\[ (x + 2)(x + 8) = 0 \]
So, the lesser number is 2 and the greater number is 8. Therefore, the answer is:
2, 8