The sum of two numbers is -8 and the difference is 12 what are the numbers

Answer 1

The sum of two numbers is -8 and the difference is 12 what are the numbers

The numbers can be represented by x and y

You are given information to make 2 equations:

x + y = -8

x - y = 12

Use the "elimination" method: Add the 2 equations to get:

2x = 4

x = 2

Use either of the original equations to find y

Answer 2

We will solve this problem using a a system of equations to determine which two numbers will give:

X + Y = -8

X = -8-Y Solve for one of the variables. I chose to solve for X.

X - Y = 12

-8 -Y - Y = 12 Substitute the expression in for the value in the second equation.

-8 -2Y = 12 Solve for the same variable. I am solving for Y.

-2Y = 20

Y = -10 Substitute this value back into the original equation.

X = -8-Y

X = -8 -(-10)

X = -8 + 10

X = 2

The two numbers we have are 2 and -10. To check ourselves, by adding these two numbers, we get -8 and if we subtract -10 from 2, this makes an addition and we get 12.