the larger number is 12 more then the smaller number .if the sum of the two numbers is 74 , find the two numbers

Question

set up "let statments 

Answer 1

 

       Let x = be the larger number

 

            y = be the smaller number

 

 

        x - y = 12 ...eq. 1

 

        x + y = 74 ...eq. 2

 

Solving for x, eliminate y by addition

 

        2x = 86

 

          x = 43      43 is the larger number

 

          y = 43 - 12 = 31 .    31 is the smaller number

 

To check:

 

          43 - 31 = 12

 

          43 + 31 = 74