Question

The sum of two numbers is 2. Their difference is -16. What is the first number?

Answer 1

x = -7

y = 9

Explanation:

x + y = 2

x - y = -16

substitute '2-x' for 'y'

x - (2-x) = -16

x - 2 + x = -16

2x - 2 = -16

2x = -14

x = -7

-7 + y = 2

y = 9