Question

The sum of two numbers is -10. Negative three times the first number minus the second number equals 2.

Find the numbers.

Answer 1

x = 4, y = -14

Explanation:

1. x + y = -10 and -3x - y = 2

2. y= -10 - x > plug in for y > -3x - (-10 - x) = 2

3. solve for x > -3x + 10 + x = 2

-2x + 10 = 2 > -2x = -8 > x= 4

4. plug x into original equation > 4 + y = -10 > y = -14