alleryStart learning →The sum of two numbers is negative fourteen. One number is four less than the other. Find the two numbers.
A-5 and -9
B-4 and -10
C-6 and -8
D-3 and -11
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. -5 and -9
1. Let n equal the first number, so the second number is n minus 4.
2. The sum translates to n plus (n minus 4) equals negative 14.
3. Combine like terms: 2n minus 4 equals negative 14.
4. Add 4 to each side and divide by 2 to get n equals negative 5, so the numbers are -5 and -9.
5. Check: -5 plus (-9) equals -14, and -9 is four less than -5.
_Source: OpenStax Elementary Algebra (CC BY 4.0), Ch 3 "Math Models", section 3.1 Use a Problem-Solving Strategy_
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