Question

The sum of two numbers is 12. The difference of the same two numbers is -4. Wht is the smaller number?

Answer 1

The smaller number is 4.

Explanation:

X and Y are the two numbers

x+y=12

x-y=-4

Subtract these two equations

(x+y=12)

-(x-y=-4)

—————-

2y=16

y=8

Plug it in to any equation:

x+y=12

x+8=12

x=4