Question 13 • CMS 2026-2027 NC Math 1 CREDIT RECOVERY
Two numbers are 10 units away in different directions from their midpoint, m , on a number line. The product of the numbers is negative 99 Which equation can be used to find m , the midpoint of the two numbers?
Answer
A
open paren m minus 10 close paren times open paren m plus 10 close paren is equal to 99
B
open paren m minus 5 close paren times open paren m plus 5 close paren is equal to 99
C
m squared minus 100 is equal to negative 99
D
m squared minus 25 is equal to negative 99
Explanation
The two numbers are 10 units on opposite sides of their midpoint, so they are m − 10 and m + 10. Their product is −99, giving (m − 10)(m + 10) = −99. Using the difference-of-squares rule, this becomes m² − 100 = −99, which is choice B.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.