The sum of two numbers is −6 and the product is 8. Find the numbers.

Short Answer

Expert verified

If the first number is -2, then the second number is -4.

If the first number is-4, then the second number is-2.

Step by step solution

01

Step 1. Given information.

The value of the sum of two numbers is-6and the product of the two numbers is 8.

02

Step 2. Forming the equations. 

Let the two numbers be xand y.

The sum of the two numbers is -6. In equation form, we can write this as

x+y=-6--->(1)

The product of the two numbers is 8. In equation from, we can write this as

xy=8--->(2)

03

Step 3. Solving the equations. 

Solving equation (2) for x:

x=8y

Substituting this in the first equation, we get that

8y+y=-6

Multiplying both sides by yand simplifying:

8+y2=-6yy2+6y+8=0y2+4y+2y+8=0y+4y+2=0--->(3)

When y+4=0, then y=-4.

In that case,

x=-6-y=-6-(-4)x=-2

When y+2=0, then y=-2.

In that case,

x=-6-y=-6+2x=-4

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