Let <em>a</em> and <em>b</em> be the two numbers. Then
<em>a</em> + <em>b</em> = -4
<em>a b</em> = -2
Solve the second equation for <em>b</em> :
<em>b</em> = -2/<em>a</em>
Substitute this into the first equation:
<em>a</em> - 2/<em>a</em> = -4
Multiply both sides by <em>a</em> :
<em>a</em>² - 2 = -4<em>a</em>
Move 4<em>a</em> to the left side:
<em>a</em>² + 4<em>a</em> - 2 = 0
Use the quadratic formula to solve for <em>a</em> :
<em>a</em> = (-4 ± √(4² - 4(-2))) / 2
<em>a</em> = -2 ± √6
If <em>a</em> = -2 + √6, then
-2 + √6 + <em>b</em> = -4
<em>b</em> = -2 - √6
In the other case, we end up with the same numbers, but <em>a</em> and <em>b</em> are swapped.
The values of a and b equals 10
You would form this inequality:
52 + 2x < (or equal to) 180
Then, solve as you would in an ordinary equation.
Subtract 52 from both sides of the sign. 180 - 52 = 128.
So, 2x is less than or equal to 128.
Divide 128 into two to get 64.
The height of the frame must be 64 inches.
4x-1=18
4x=18+1
4x=19
x=19/4