X= 1 number
Y= a number that is 1 less than x
Y= x-1
The sum of squares=
X^2 + (x-1)^2 = x^2 + x^2 - 2x + 1
X^2 + x^2 - 2x + 1 = 2x^2 - 2x + 1
Assuming that integers = numbers. We could try some values
When x = 0, the sum of squares = 1
When x = -1, the sum of squares = 4
When x = 1, the sum of squares = 1
If you put this into a graph, it is a parabola and we see that the minimum value hits at x = 1/2.
To check this value:
2x^2 - 2x + 1 = 2·(1/4) - 2·(1/2) + 1
2·(1/4) - 2·(1/2) + 1 = 1/2 - 1 + 1
1/2 - 1 + 1 = 1/2
When you look back at the question, it asks for 2 answers
X= 1/2
X-1 = -1/2
What is the sum of their squares?
1/4 + 1/4 = 1/2
That fits with graph too.
Answers: 1/2 and -1/2
Hope this helps!!
