The square of an integer is 12 more than the integer. Find the integer

Answer 1

x + 12 = x^2

x^2 - x - 12 = 0
(x + 3)(x - 4) = 0

x + 3 = 0
x = -3
This obviously doesn't work.

x - 4 = 0
x = -4
This doesn't work, but since both the positive and negative values of integers yield the same value when squared, let's try 4.

4^2 = 16
This is 12 more than the original integer 4.

Answer 2

from Pink Floyd's
(x + 3)(x - 4) = 0
x = -3 or x=4

check: is (-3)^3 12 more than -3 ? yes!
is (4^) 12 greater than 4 ? Yes!

so the numbers are either 4 or -3

Answer 3

By George, you're right.. just a little bit of math errors on my part.