SOLUTION: The sum of a certain number and a second number is negative 42. The first number minus the second is 52. Find the numbers.

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Question 794231: The sum of a certain number and a second number is negative 42. The first number minus the second is 52. Find the numbers.
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
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The sum of a certain number and a second number is negative 42.
The first number minus the second is 52. Find the numbers.
:
a + b = -42
a - b = 52
-------------adding eliminates b, find a
2a = 10
a = 5
:
Find b using the 1st equation
5 + b = -42
b = -42 - 5
b = -47
:
:
Check solution in the 2nd equation
5 -(-47) = 52