Question

what do you think?
is it possible for two numbers to have a difference of 8, and a sum of 1?

Explanation:

Answer:

Yes. Let the two numbers be \(x\) and \(y\). We have the system of equations \(

$$\begin{cases}x - y=8\\x + y = 1\end{cases}$$

\). Adding the two equations: \((x - y)+(x + y)=8 + 1\), \(2x=9\), \(x = 4.5\). Substitute \(x = 4.5\) into \(x + y=1\), \(4.5+y=1\), \(y=-3.5\). The two numbers \(4.5\) and \(-3.5\) satisfy the conditions.