The sum of two numbers is 74. One number is 6 more than the other. Find the numbers.

Question

I have the worst time with word problems. I always get them mixed up. could you help me?  

Answer 1

Lets call our numbers X and Y

 

So X + Y = 74

 

and X = Y + 6 or  (Y = X + 6, it doesn't matter) 

 

Since the second equation is solved for X, plug the Y + 6 that X is equal to, into the top equation where X is.

 

So X + Y = 74 becomes (Y + 6) +Y = 74

 

Now solve for Y

 

2Y + 6 = 74

 

2Y = 68

 

Y = 34

 

Now that you have Y you can go back to either one of the original equations and plug this in to get X