The sum of two numbers is - 45. One number is 9 more than the other. Find the numbers.

if - 45 + - 9 = - 54 that means - 54 + 9 = - 45

-27 and - 18

Step-by-step explanation:

Solve algebraically. Use a variable and an expression to represent the numbers.

let the smaller number be "x"

The bigger number is x + 9.

The two numbers are "x" and "x + 9".

The sum of two numbers means when you add them together. If their number is - 45, then:

x + x + 9 = - 45

Simplify and isolate "x" to solve in the equation.

x + x + 9 = - 45 Collect like terms (numbers that have "x") to simplify

2x + 9 = - 45 Isolate "x"

2x + 9 - 9 = - 45 - 9 Subtract 9 from both sides

2x = - 54

2x/2 = - 54/2 Divide both sides by 2

x = - 27 Value of smaller number

The bigger number is x + 9. Substitute "x" for - 27 and solve.

x + 9

= - 27 + 9 Add together

= - 18 Value of bigger number

Therefore the two numbers are - 27 and - 18.