Answer:
a = -15.5, b = -32.5
Step-by-step explanation:
Let's say the first number is a, and the second is b.
a + b = - 48
a - b = 17
If you add both equations, you get 2a = -31, because the
+b and -b cancel each other.
So you would get a + a = 2a, then -48 + 17 = -31
2a = -31
--- ---
2 2
Divide both sides by 2 to get a by itself.
a = -15.5
Then let's go to the next equation (a - b = 17)
Plug in a..
-15.5 - b = 17
+ 15.5 + 15.5
------
-b = 32.5
--- ------
-1 -1
b = -32.5
Hope this helps.
