Question

Two numbers have a sum of 2 and a difference
of -16. What are the numbers?

Answer 1

x + y = 2

x - y = -16

Add the equations together to eliminate one of the variables.

2x = -14

Divide both sides by 2

x = -7

Let's plug -7 into x for our first equation.

-7 + y = 2

Add 7 to both sides.

y = 9

Answer 2

-7 & 9

Explanation:

(-7) + 9 = 2

(-7) - 9 = -16