We let X be the first number and Y be the second number. We write: XY = 56 and X + Y = 31. We solve X in terms of Y: X = 56/Y. Then we plug the value of X in the 2nd equation: (56/Y) + Y = 31 --> Y[(56/Y) + Y = 31] --> 56 + Y^2 = 31Y --> Y^2 - 31Y + 56 =0 --> Y = 29.07 and 1.93. If Y = 29.07, X = (56/29.07) = 1.93. If Y = 1.93, X = (56/1.93) = 29.07. So, the numbers are 1.93 and 29.07.
