The sum of two numbers is 14 and the ratio of the two numbers is -3. What is the product of the two numbers ?

Answer 1

Let's use x and y as the two numbers we don't know

The sum of two numbers gives 14: x + y = 14

The ratio(division) of the two numbers gives -3: x/y = -3

You can solve for one variable each

We know x = -3y from the ratio statement

So plug that into the sum statement

(-3y) + y = 14

-2y = 14

y = -7

With that in mind, let's plug that y = -7 into any equation.

x/-7 = -3

x = 21

Now you want the product of the two numbers: xy=?

That should provide you enough to finish the rest.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Let two numbers by x and y

x + y = 14.....eq1

x/y = -3 ..........eq2

from eq2

x = -3y

substituting in eq 1

-3y +y = 14

-2y = 14

y = -7

so x = 21

Product xy = 21(-7) = -147