The sum of two numbers is 21. Their difference is 1. Find the numbers

Answer 1

Hi Tella,

Let's call one number x and the other y, okay?

x + y = 21

x - y = 1

Now, let's add these two equations because when we do so the "y's" will cancel out.

2x = 22

x = 11

Now, let's substitute the value of 11 for x in the first equation. .

x + y = 21

11 + y = 21

y = 10

Finally, we always want to check our work. First, when we add the two numbers is their sum 21? Yes. When we subtract the two numbers do we get 1? Yes. The answers check out.

I hope this assists and that you have a great Friday and weekend. Please feel free to leave feedback or any questions you may have regarding the manner in which I solved this. Best!