Given the equations I. x² + 9x + 20 = 0 and II. y² + 5y + 6 = 0, determine the relationship between the values of x and y after solving both equations.

Explanation

Solving equation I: x² + 9x + 20 = 0 factors as (x + 4)(x + 5) = 0, giving solutions x = -4 or x = -5. Solving equation II: y² + 5y + 6 = 0 factors as (y + 3)(y + 2) = 0, giving y = -3 or y = -2. Since the largest x value (-4) is less than the smallest y value (-3), it follows that x < y.