Question

What values do x and y have if /x/ =16 /y/=16 and when x and y are combined they eqaul zero? Explain your reasoning

Answer 1

They have opposite signs. if x=16 then y should be -16 for their sum to be zero.

Answer 2

When x is 16, then y must be -16.

When x is -16 then y must be 16.

Explanation:

We are asked to find the value of x and y for the given condition.

`|x|=16`

`|y|=16`

By the definition of absolute value
`|u|=a`, then
`u=-a\text{ or }u=a`, we will get:

`x=-16\text{ or }x=16`

`y=-16\text{ or }y=16`

We are also told that when x and y are combined they equal zero.

This means when x is 16, then y must be -16 and when x is -16 then y must be 16.