Question

Two numbers multiply together to make − 20 that add together to make -1
What are the 2 numbers?

Answer 1

To find the two numbers that multiply to −20 and add to −1, we look at the factors of 20 and select the pair with one negative and one positive number that also add up to −1, which are 4 and −5.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks us to find two numbers that multiply to make −20 and add together to make −1. To find the numbers, we can use the properties of addition and multiplication of signed numbers. A negative product with a negative sum suggests using one positive and one negative number since when two numbers with opposite signs multiply, the result is negative, and when they add, the sum has the sign of the larger absolute value number.

Steps to Find the Two Numbers:

1. Let's denote the two numbers as a and b.
2. According to the properties of multiplication, ab = −20. Since 20 has factors 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, and 20, we consider pairs with one negative and one positive sign
3. Now, consider the sum of the two numbers a + b = −1. Reviewing the pairs we have (5 and −4), (10 and −2), etc., we select the pair that adds to −1.
4. The correct pair that satisfies both conditions is 4 and −5. Multiplying 4 by −5 gives us −20, and adding them gives us −1.

Therefore, the two numbers we are looking for are 4 and −5.