Question

The sum of the two numbers is -34 and their difference is 5. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

y = -19.5, x = -14.5

Explanation:

We can form equations from this statement:

x + y = -34

x - y = 5

If we rearrange the second equation, we get:

x - y = 5

x = 5 + y

Then, we substitute this value into the other equation to get the answer.

x + y = -34

5 + y + y = -34

Then solve:

2y + 5 = -34

2y = -39

so, y = -19.5

now we can find x with y:

-19.5 + x = -34

-34 + 19.5 = x

x = - 14.5