The sum of two numbers is -25. One number is 101 less than the other. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

Hi Jenna,

Let's use the variable x to represent one of the numbers.

Since the other number is 101 less, we can write the following expression for the other number: x - 101

Using the fact that the sum of the numbers is -25, we can write and solve the following equation to find one of the numbers:

First number + Second number = -25

x + x -101 = -25

2x - 101= -25

2x - 101 + 101= -25 + 101

2x = 76

2x/2 =76/2

x = 38

One number is 38.

The other will be 101 less: 38 - 101 = -63

The other number is -63

To verify, their sum is -25:

-63 + 38 = -25