Question

The sum of two numbers is -1. If one number is subtracted from the other, their difference is 11. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

the solution is (5, -6)

Explanation:

Let the numbers be x and y. Then x + y = -1 (meaning that either x or y is negative), and x - y = 11.

Solve the system:

x + y = -1

x - y = 11

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2x = 10, or x = 5. If x = 5, then x - y = 11 becomes 5 - y = 11, or y = -6.

Then the solution is (5, -6).

Is the sum of 5 and -6 equal to -1? YES.

If -6 is subtracted from +5, is the difference 11? Yes.