Question

twice a number added to another number is -8. the difference of the two numbers is 2. find the numbers. write the numbers from least to greatest.
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Explanation:

Step1: Define variables

Let the first number be \( x \) and the second number be \( y \). From the problem, we have two equations:

1. \( 2x + y = -8 \) (Twice a number added to another number is -8)
2. \( x - y = 2 \) (The difference of the two numbers is 2)

Step2: Solve the system of equations

From the second equation \( x - y = 2 \), we can express \( x \) as \( x = y + 2 \).

Substitute \( x = y + 2 \) into the first equation \( 2x + y = -8 \):
\[

$$\begin{align*} 2(y + 2) + y &= -8\\ 2y + 4 + y &= -8\\ 3y + 4 &= -8\\ 3y &= -8 - 4\\ 3y &= -12\\ y &= \frac{-12}{3}\\ y &= -4 \end{align*}$$

\]

Step3: Find the value of \( x \)

Substitute \( y = -4 \) into \( x = y + 2 \):
\[
x = -4 + 2 = -2
\]

Answer:

-4 and -2