Sum of two numbers = 16 Difference of the numbers = 6 Find the numbers. What if their product?

Numbers x and y

sum of the two = 16: x + y = 16

difference of the two = x - y = 6

solve one of the equations for one variable:

I'm going to solve x - y = 6, for x

(x - y) + y = 6 + y, x = y + 6

Now plug that into the other equation:

x + y = 16, (y+6) + y = 16

(y+y) + 6 = 16

2y + 6 - 6 = 16 - 6

2y = 10

2y/2 = 10/2

y = 5

Now plug that solved y-value into either original equation: x - y = 6, x - 5 = 6

(x-5) + 5 = 6 + 5

x = 11

So now we have their values: x=11, y=5

But always double-check what the question asked ... What is their product?

So x*y = 11*5 = 55