Question

What two numbers multiply to get -12 but add to get -1?

Answer 1

The answer is -4 and 3

Answer 2

xy = - 12
x + y = - 1

x = - 12/y
- 12/y + y = - 1
- 12 + y^2 = - y
y^2 + y - 12 = 0
( y - 3 ) ( y + 4 ) = 0
y = 3 , y = - 4

3x = - 12
x = - 4

y = 3