The sum of two numbers is zero. When 4 times the smaller number is added to 8 times the larger, the result is 1. Find the two numbers.

Question

The sum of two numbers is zero. When 4 times the smaller number is added to 8 times the larger, the result is 1. Find the two numbers.

Answer 1

Hey Trey,

 

let the two numbers be x and y. The smaller number is x and the larger number is y.

 

 

x + y = 0

 

4x + 8y = 1

 

Now solve the above system of equations by using either elimination or substitution.

 

4x - 8x = 1

 

-4x = 1

 

x = -1/4

 

y = 1/4

 

Those are the values of the two variables you were looking for. Hope my feed back was helpful.

 

regards,

 

mayuran

 

 

 

 

Answer 2

If the sum of two numbers is zero then the numbers are the same with opposite +/- signs

 

a + b = 0

 

a = -b

 

let's say the larger number = a

then the smaller number, b = -a

 

a + (-a) = 0

 

4 times the smaller number is added to 8 times the larger, the result is 1.

 

4(-a) + 8(a) = 1

 

Find the two numbers

 

-4a + 8a = 1

 

4a = 1

 

a = 1/4  

-a = -1/4