One positive number is 2 less than another. The sum of their squares is 34. What is the smaller number?

The smaller number is 3. The number 3 squared is 9, plus the other number 5 squared, which is 25. when you add them, you get 34

Step-by-step explanation:
x = first number
y = second number
a. x+2 = y
b. x^2 + y^2 = 34
Replace y from equation a into equation b:
x^2 + (x+2)^2 = 34
Expand it
x^2 + x^2 + 4x + 4 = 34
2*x^2 + 4x = 30
2x^2 + 4x - 30=0
solving x:
x = -5 and x =3 , it says it is a positive number, then it is x is 3
and the second number, y = x + 2
y = 5
Lets test it!
3^2 + 5^ 2 = 9 + 25 = 34