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a+b=-1,b^{2}+a^{2}=25
To solve a pair of equations using substitution, first solve one of the equations for one of the variables. Then substitute the result for that variable in the other equation.
a+b=-1
Solve a+b=-1 for a by isolating a on the left hand side of the equal sign.
a=-b-1
Subtract b from both sides of the equation.
b^{2}+\left(-b-1\right)^{2}=25
Substitute -b-1 for a in the other equation, b^{2}+a^{2}=25.
b^{2}+b^{2}+2b+1=25
Square -b-1.
2b^{2}+2b+1=25
Add b^{2} to b^{2}.
2b^{2}+2b-24=0
Subtract 25 from both sides of the equation.
b=\frac{-2±\sqrt{2^{2}-4\times 2\left(-24\right)}}{2\times 2}
This equation is in standard form: ax^{2}+bx+c=0. Substitute 1+1\left(-1\right)^{2} for a, 1\left(-1\right)\left(-1\right)\times 2 for b, and -24 for c in the quadratic formula, \frac{-b±\sqrt{b^{2}-4ac}}{2a}.
b=\frac{-2±\sqrt{4-4\times 2\left(-24\right)}}{2\times 2}
Square 1\left(-1\right)\left(-1\right)\times 2.
b=\frac{-2±\sqrt{4-8\left(-24\right)}}{2\times 2}
Multiply -4 times 1+1\left(-1\right)^{2}.
b=\frac{-2±\sqrt{4+192}}{2\times 2}
Multiply -8 times -24.
b=\frac{-2±\sqrt{196}}{2\times 2}
Add 4 to 192.
b=\frac{-2±14}{2\times 2}
Take the square root of 196.
b=\frac{-2±14}{4}
Multiply 2 times 1+1\left(-1\right)^{2}.
b=\frac{12}{4}
Now solve the equation b=\frac{-2±14}{4} when ± is plus. Add -2 to 14.
b=3
Divide 12 by 4.
b=-\frac{16}{4}
Now solve the equation b=\frac{-2±14}{4} when ± is minus. Subtract 14 from -2.
b=-4
Divide -16 by 4.
a=-3-1
There are two solutions for b: 3 and -4. Substitute 3 for b in the equation a=-b-1 to find the corresponding solution for a that satisfies both equations.
a=-4
Add -3 to -1.
a=-\left(-4\right)-1
Now substitute -4 for b in the equation a=-b-1 and solve to find the corresponding solution for a that satisfies both equations.
a=4-1
Multiply -1 times -4.
a=3
Add -4\left(-1\right) to -1.
a=-4,b=3\text{ or }a=3,b=-4
The system is now solved.