How to solve this Word Problem

Question

The difference beetwen 2 number is 21

 

If twice the Smaller numbers added to 1/2 of the larger number the result is 38 what is the number ??? 

Answer 1

Let x = the smaller number

Let y = the larger number

y - x = 21                      Multiply both sides of this equation by -1.  

2x + (1/2)y  = 38       Multiply both sides of this equation by 2.

4x + y = 76

  x - y = -21

5x = 55

x = 11

y - 11 = 21

y = 32