SOLUTION: Given that {{{a^2 - b^2 = -280}}} and {{{ a + b = 20 }}} find the value of {{{ a -b }}}

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: Given that {{{a^2 - b^2 = -280}}} and {{{ a + b = 20 }}} find the value of {{{ a -b }}}       Log On


   

Question 1200555: Given that a%5E2+-+b%5E2+=+-280 and +a+%2B+b+=+20+ find the value of +a+-b+
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a%5E2-b%5E2=-280
%28a-b%29%28a%2Bb%29=-280
%28a-b%29%2A20=-280, using given fact
a-b=-280%2F20
a-b=-28%2F2=highlight%28-14%29