Question

the sum of two numbers is -14. If you subtract the smaller number from. the larger number the total is 12. what are the two numbers?

Answer 1

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Define the two numbers
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Let one number be x and the other be y

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Form equations and solve
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x + y = -14 --------------- (1)
y - x = 12 ------------------(2)

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(1) + (2)
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2y = -2
y = -1

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Substitute y = -1 into (2)
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y - x = 12
-1 - x = 12
x = -1 -12
x = -13

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Answer: x = -13, y = -1
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