the two consecutive positive numbers can be written as x and x+1, where x>0

x^2 + (x + 1)^2 = 41

by solving we find

x = 4

click here to see the step by step solution of the equation

x + 1 = 4 + 1 = 5

indeed

4^2 + 5^2 = 16 + 25 = 41

the two consecutive positive numbers are 4 and 5.