Unable to do

Question

The sum of two numbers is -5. Three times the first number equals 4 times the second number. Find the two numbers.

Answer 1

Let x and y be the two numbers.

 

x + y = -5

3x = 4y

 

Just solve this system of equations.

 

x = -5 - y

3(-5 - y) = 4y

-15 - 3y = 4y

-15 = 7y

y = -15/7

x = -5 - (-15/7) = -5 + 15/7 = (-35 + 15)/7 = -20/7

 

x = -20/7, y = -15/7

 

Test the solution.

 

Answer 2

Just attack this carefully, systematically.

Let there be two numbers, m & n.

m+n = -5

3m = 4n.

 

Can you solve it now?