If \( x \) and \( y \) are negative integers and \( x - y = 1 \), what is the least possible value for \( xy \)?

For x = -1 and y = -2, the least possible value for xy is indeed 2.
Given x - y = 1, and both x and y are negative integers, we can consider the possible values that satisfy the equation.
If we let x = -1 and y = -2, we have:
x - y = (-1) - (-2) = -1 + 2 = 1
This satisfies the given equation x - y = 1. Now, let's find the product xy:
xy = (-1)(-2) = 2
Therefore, for x = -1 and y = -2, the least possible value for xy is indeed 2.

Answered by ashuira | 2024-06-24

The least possible value for the product x y when x and y are negative integers and x − y = 1 is 2, achieved when x = − 1 and y = − 2 .
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Answered by ashuira | 2024-09-05