They want you find x and y from these equations

    x + y = -4    (1)

      xy  = 24    (2)


From equation (1), express  x = -4 -y  and substitute it into equation (2).  You will get

    (-4-y)*y = 24,

    -4y - y^2 = 24

    y^2 + 4y + 24 = 0

     =  =  =  =  = .


Thus, there are two possible answers:

    x = ,  y = 

and

    x = ,  y = .


In both cases,  x + y = -2 - 2 = -4;  xy =  = 4 - 4*5*(-1) = 4 + 20 = 24.