Xand y are two positive numbers and y is three greater than x. the product of the numbers is 180. find the smaller number, x.

First positive number (x) = x
Second positive number (y) = x+3
Product: 180 = x · y
               180 = x · (x + 3)
               180 = x² + 3x
                 0  = x² + 3x - 180
                 0 = (x + 15)(x - 12)
                 0 = x + 15, 0 = x - 12
                     x = -15, x = 12
x = -15 is NOT a positive number so it can be disregarded.

12