Question

Think of two numbers that multiply to -24, but add to -14.

Answer 1

x = -7 + √(73)

y = -7 - √(73)

Explanation:

Product p = x × y = -24

Somme s = x + y = -14

Then

x and y are solutions to the equation:

z² - sz + p = 0

Then

x and y are solutions to the equation:

z² + 14z - 24 = 0

Using the quadratic formula:

x = ( -14 + √[(14² - 4×(1)×(-24)] ) / ( 2×(1) ) = -7 + √(73)

and

y = ( -14 - √[(14² - 4×(1)×(-24)] ) / ( 2×(1) ) = -7 - √(73)