Question

The sum of two numbers is -17. Their difference is 41. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

the two numbers are 12 and -29

Explanation:

let the two numbers be x and y

let the sum of the two numbers b

x+y = -17 ..................................................... equation 1

let the difference between the two numbers be

x-y = 41 ........................................................................ equation 2

from equation 1

x+y = -17 ..................................................... equation 1

x = -17 - y ............................................................... equation 3

substitute for x in equation 2

x-y = 41 ........................................................................ equation 2

-17-y -y = 41

-17 -2y = 41

-2y = 41 + 17

-2y = 58

divide both sides by -2

-2y/-2 = 58/-2

y = -29

put the value of y = -29 in equation 3

x = -17 - y ............................................................... equation 3

x = -17-(-29)

x =-17 + 29

x = 12

therefore the two numbers are 12 and -29