Question

Two intergers a and b have a product of 12 what is the least possible sum of a and b

Answer 1

7.

Explanation:

ab = 12 and a and b are integers.

Factoring 12 into integers:-

12 = 1*2*2*3

so 12 = 1*12

12 = 2*6

12 = 4*3

- so the least value of a + b = 7.

Answer 2

1×12=12

2×6=12

3×4=12

(-1)×(-12)=12

(-2)×(-6)=12

(-3)×(-4)=12

Obviously, the least sum is (-1)+(-12) = -13
Therefore the answer is :
a = -1 and b = -12