algebra word problem

Question

one number exceeds another by 2. the sum of the numbers is 24. what are the numbers

Answer 1

Hi Britney,

Let's call the first number (x). Since the other number "exceeds the other by 2", we'll call it (x+2).

So, turning the problem statement into a math equation, we have:

(x) + (x+2) = 24

Combining the like terms:

2x + 2 = 24

Subtracting 2 from each side to isolate the "x" term:

2x = 22

And dividing by 2 to isolate "x":

x=11

So the first number (x) is 11, and the second number (x+2) is 13.

Checking our work, the two numbers should add up to 24:

11 + 13 = 24