Solve {l}{-2-a=1}{-a-b=-1}

$$\left\{ \begin{array} { l } { - 2 - a = 1 } \\ { - a - b = - 1 } \end{array} \right.$$

Solve for a, b

$$a=-3$$

$$b=4$$

Solution Steps

Consider the first equation. Add 2 to both sides.

$$-a=1+2$$

Add 1 and 2 to get 3.

$$-a=3$$

Divide both sides by -1.

$$a=-3$$

Consider the second equation. Insert the known values of variables into the equation.

$$-\left(-3\right)-b=-1$$

The opposite of -3 is 3.

$$3-b=-1$$

Subtract 3 from both sides.

$$-b=-1-3$$

Subtract 3 from -1 to get -4.

$$-b=-4$$

Divide both sides by -1.

$$b=\frac{-4}{-1}$$

Fraction \frac{-4}{-1} can be simplified to 4 by removing the negative sign from both the numerator and the denominator.

$$b=4$$

The system is now solved.

$$a=-3 b=4$$