In each of the following questions, two equations are given. You have to solve them and $( (I) \quad x^2 + 17x + 72 = 0 ) ( (II) \quad y^2 + 15y + 56 = 0 )$

Solve equation (I): x^2 + 17x + 72 = 0 factors to (x+8)(x+9) = 0, giving x = -8 or x = -9. Solve equation (II): y^2 + 15y + 56 = 0 factors to (y+7)(y+8) = 0, giving y = -7 or y = -8. When x = -9, x < y for both y values. When x = -8, x = y when y = -8, and x < y when y = -7. Since x can be equal to y or less than y in all cases, x ≤ y is correct.