the sum of a two nos. is 66 the smaller no. is 36 less than the larger no.?

Answer 1

Hi MJ!

This is a great example of a system of equations question. Let me see if I can help you a bit.

So the first thing I like to do is translate the question from words to equations. The first part which says the sum of two numbers is 66 tells me that two numbers (we will say 'x' and 'y') added together equal 66.

x + y = 66

For the second part of the question, we will say 'y' is the smaller value and 'x' is the larger value. So that means 'y' equals 36 subtracted from 'x'.

y = x - 36

Now we can substitute (x - 36) for 'y' in the first equation.

x + y = 66

x + (x - 36) = 66

Combine like terms and solve for 'x'.

2x - 36 = 66

2x = 102

x = 51

We found x! Now we need to plug x back into the second equation to find y

y = x - 36

y = 51 - 36

y = 15

So x = 51 and y = 15. We can check our answer by plugging both x and y into the two equations.

x + y = 66

51 + 15 = 66

66 = 66

y = x - 36

15 = 51 - 36

15 = 15

Perfect! Now we definitely know our two numbers are 15 and 51! I hope this helps!

Bradley