What two numbers have a sum of -8 and difference of 4?

Answer 1

Here's a trick to solving these types of problems. Let the two numbers be x and y.

• x + y = -8
• x - y = 4

Now add the equations.

• 2x = -4
• 2x/2 = -4/2
• x = -2

Now replace "x" in the equation.

• -2 + y = -8
• y = -8 + 2
• y = -6

Now replace the whole equation to check:

• -2 + (-6) = -8
• -2 - (-6) = 4

Therefore the two numbers are -2 and -6.