word problem

Question

The difference between 2 numbers is 15. If the bigger number is 98,what is the smaller number?

 

Answer 1

We can set up an equation.  Since the bigger number is 98, the smaller number must be less than 98.

 

98 - x = 15

 

Solve for x.

 

-x = -83

 x = 83

 

83 is less than 98.

 

The smaller number is 83.

Answer 2

Let x = the smaller number.  The bigger number is 98 and their difference is 15:

 

98 - x = 15

 

Solve for x.