please help me solve this math problem!

Question

the difference of two numbers is 8. five times the smaller number equals the greater number

Answer 1

Let's use the variables x and y for our two unknown numbers.

From the statement: the difference of 2 numbers is 8, we can say:

x - y = 8 Since 8 is positive that means that x has to be greater than y, so y is the smaller number.

Next, from 5 times the smaller number equals the greater number we can say:

5y = x

Using this second equation, we can plug 5y into the first equation for x.

5y - y = 8

4y = 8 combine like terms

y=2 divide both sides by 4

Now plug y = 2 into the second equation and solve for x.

5(2) = x

Therefore x = 10.

So the 2 numbers are 2 and 10.

Hope this helps!