let 'x' and 'y' be the numbers, and x > y

The product of two numbers is –27

x*y = - 27

One of the numbers is 12 less than the other

y = x - 12

plug y = x - 12 into x*y = - 27

x*(x - 12) = -27

by solving we find

x1 = 9

x2 = 3

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

Click to see all the steps

for x = 9 we have y = 9 - 12 = - 3

for x = 3 we have y = 3 - 12 = - 9

the two numbers could be 9 and -3, as well as, 3 and - 9.