The sum of two numbers is 79. The difference of the two numbers is 57. What are the two numbers.

Answer 1

The two numbers are 68 and 11.

In order to solve this you have to set up a system of equations.

Let your first unknown number be "x" and your second unknown number be "y"

Your first equation would be:

x + y = 79

and your second equation would be

x - y = 57

Using the elimination method the y's would cancel out leaving:

2x = 136

x = 68

After which plug in the new x value into either of the equations you started with:

68 + y = 79

and then solve for y

y = 79 - 68

y = 11