Question

The sum of two numbers is -40. The difference of the two numbers is -12. What are the two numbers?

Answer 1

Assume numbers are x and y
X= -26
Y= -14

Answer 2

-26 and -14

Explanation:

Let x = one number

Let y = the other number

x + y = -40

x - y = -12 Add the two equations together.

2x = -52 Divide both sides by 2

x = -26

Substitute -26 for x to find y

x + y = -40

-26 + y = -40 Add 26 to both sides

-26 + 26 + y = -40 + 26

y = -14

Check:

x + y = -40

-26 + -14 = -40

-40 = -40 Checks

x - y = -12

-26 - (-14) = -12

-26 + 14 = -12

-12 = -12 Checks