document.write( "Question 1094464: What two numbers add to -5 and multiply to 6 \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #709041 by math_helper(2461) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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document.write( "Although the solution can be discovered by 5-10 seconds of observation, here are the steps needed to solve it procedurally (so you'll know how to solve problems when the solution is not so obvious):\r
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document.write( "x + y = -5  (1)  —> y = -5 - x
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document.write( "xy = 6   (2)\r
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document.write( "Substitute for y from (1) in (2):  
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document.write( "x(-5-x) = 6
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document.write( " and \r
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document.write( "x=-3 ==> y = -5 - (-3) = -2
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document.write( "x=-2 ==> y = -5 - (-2) = -3   (so this case is just the x & y values swapped, we can accept either one since x and y have no special meaning here)\r
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document.write( "—
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document.write( "Ans: The numbers satisfying the given criteria are  and 
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document.write( "Check:  -2 - 3 = -5  (ok)
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document.write( "     and  (-2)*(-3) = 6  (ok)
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