Question

two numbers total -2, and their difference is 4. Find the two numbers

Answer 1

x + y = -2
x - y = 4

Answer 2

Solve one equation for a variable and substitute into the other equation, then find the second variable :) and those are your two numbers

Answer 3

let your numbers be a and b

then

a + b = -2 The sum of the numbers
a - b = 4 the difference

add the 2 equations to eliminate b

2a = 2

solve for a.

When you have a substitute into either equation to find b