The sum of two numbers is 3. The difference of the two numbers is -41. What are the two numbers? The first number = The second number =

Answer 1

Starting with Edward E.'s two equations

A + B = 3

A - B = -41

2A = -38

A = -19

Can you determine the value of B?

Answer 2

This is a classic two equations with two unknowns. The first step is to write out both equations.

A + B = 3

A - B = -41

the next step is to solve one equation for one of the unknowns. Let’s solve the first one for A by subtracting B from both sides.

A + B - B = 3 - B

B - B is zero so we are left with

A = 3 - B

the next step is to substitute the value on the right hand of the equation we solved for A into the place of A in the second equation giving us

3 - B - B = -41

we can simplify by subtracting 3 from both sides

and combining the B terms

3 - 3 - 2B = -41 -3

3 - 3 is zero which gives us

-2B = -44

we can simplify by dividing both sides by -2 and that will give us the value of B.

you can then substitute that value into either of the equations in place of B and that will give you the value of A.

The final answer is left to the student so as to comply with academic honesty.