Problema Solution

Find two positive consecutive multiples of 3 such that the sum of their squares is 369.

Answer provided by our tutors

Two positive consecutive multiples of 3 can be written as 3*k and 3*(k+1), where k is positive integer


(3*k)^2 + (3*(k+1))^2 = 369


9*k^2 + 9*k^2 + 18*k + 9 = 369


18*k^2 + 18*k - 360 = 0


k^2 + k - 20 = 0


By solving this quadratic equation we get


k = - 5 is not a solution since k needs to be positive


k = 4 is a solution


Indeed 12^2 + 15^2 = 369.


The two consecutive multiples of 3 are 12 and 15.