two numbers are the sum of 42. The smaller number is 12 lesser than the larger number. what are the numbers

Question

the sum of two numbers are 42. the smaller number is 14 lesser than the larger number. what are the two numbers

Answer 1

We have two numbers that add to 42.... Call the larger number X and the smaller number Y

 

X+Y = 42

 

We are told that Y is 12 less than X so Y = X-12

 

Substitute X-12 in place of Y in the original equation giving

 

X + X -12 = 42

2X - 12 = 42

Add 12 to both sides

2X = 54

Divide both sides by 2

X = 27

 

Y = X-12 = 27 - 12 = 15

 

Our two numbers are 27, 15

Answer 2

One must first translate the problem into math equations. The first sentence says "two number" (lets say L for large and S for small) "sum[med]" (+) "are" (=) "42". So it would look like this: L + S = 42 The next sentence says, "[t]he smaller number" (S) "is" (=) "12 less (- sign) "than" (+) "the larger number" (L). So this would look like: S = (-12) + L or L + S = 42 S = L - 12 Now just use your preferred method for solving two equations for two variable.