The sum of two numbers is - 17. Their difference is 41. Find the numbers.

the two numbers are 12 and - 29

Step-by-step explanation:

let the two numbers be x and y

let the sum of the two numbers b

x+y = - 17 ... equation 1

let the difference between the two numbers be

x-y = 41 ... equation 2

from equation 1

x+y = - 17 ... equation 1

x = - 17 - y ... equation 3

substitute for x in equation 2

x-y = 41 ... equation 2

-17-y - y = 41

-17 - 2y = 41

-2y = 41 + 17

-2y = 58

divide both sides by - 2

-2y/-2 = 58/-2

y = - 29

put the value of y = - 29 in equation 3

x = - 17 - y ... equation 3

x = - 17 - (-29)

x = -17 + 29

x = 12

therefore the two numbers are 12 and - 29