Question

The sum of two numbers is 16. Their product is −377. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

Answer:

x = 29 or -13

y = -13 or 29

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the two numbers be x and y respectively

x + y = 16              ( 1 )

xy = -377              ( 2 )

from ( 1 ):

x = 16 - y

Substitute in ( 2 ):

(16 - y)(y) = -377

16y - y² = -377

-y² + 16y + 377 = 0

y² - 16y - 377 = 0

y² - 29y + 13y - 377 = 0

y(y - 29) + 13(y - 29) = 0

(y - 29)(y + 13) = 0

∴ y = 29, y = -13

When y = 29:

x + 29 = 16

x = -13

When y = -13

x + (-13) = 16

x = 29