The sum of two numbers is 51. The smaller number is 15 less than the larger number

Answer 1

Let x = larger number

Let x-15 = smaller number

larger number + smaller number = Total

x + (x-15) = 51

Now need to solve.

Combine like terms

2x - 15 = 51

Add 15 to both sides and simplify

2x - 15 + 15 = 51 + 15

2x = 66

Divide both sides by 2 and simplify

2x/2 = 66/2

x = 33

The larger number is 33, now need to find the smaller number

Let x-15 = smaller number

33 - 15 = 18

18 is the smaller number