The answer is 88
It is given that a -b = 8
and ab = 12
we need to calculate a^2 + b^2
We know that a^2 + b^2 = (a-b)^2 + 2ab
= 8^2 + 2 *12
= 88
To Suresh, It is not given that both a and b are integers and you are not asked to find the values of a and b.
Hope this helps you guys.