The sum of two numbers is 37 . The larger number is 23 more than the smaller number. What are the numbers?

Question

The sum of two numbers is
37

. The larger number is
23

more than the smaller number. What are the numbers?

Answer 1

Hi Donna, let x represent the larger number and y the smaller number. Set up two equations to solve the problem.

 

Equation 1, sum of numbers:

 

x + y = 37

 

Equation 2, difference of numbers:

 

x - y = 23

 

System of equations to solve:

 

x  +  y  =  37

x  -  y   =  23

---------------

 

You can solve for x and y using either substitution or elimination.

 

Questions?

Answer 2

Let the smaller number be   x

the larger number would be x+23

 

sum of numbers = x+x+23 =37

                            2x+23 =37

                            2x= 14

                              x=7

   smaller number = 7

   larger number = x+23 = 7+23=30