A and b are whole numbers such that

a - b = 11 and a x b = 42. What is a + b?

17

Explanation:

you need to factorize the value of a*b since you know that they are whole numbers which means there is no fraction or irrational or negative numbers

you will find that 42=21*2=7*6=14*3=21*1

then you begin to find the difference of the numbers

21-2=9

7-6=1

14-3=11

21-1=20

then you will notice that the third one is right as a=14, b=3

then you take their sum

a - b = 11

a = b+11

a * b = 42

(b + 11) b = 42

b² + 11b - 42 = 0

b² + 14b - 3b - 42 = 0

b (b + 14l - 3 (b + 14) = 0

(b - 3) (b + 14) = 0

b = 3 or - 14

a = 14 or - 3

Thus innthe either case, a + b = 11