The sum of two numbers is 10 and their difference is 2 .

Answer 1

The answers you have received are great. However, they both use algebra to solve this problem. While this is a great way to approach the question, you might also want to see a different method for solving this elementary math problem.

Let's say the sum of two positive whole numbers is 15 and their difference is 9.

I find that it is helpful to list the possible number pairs that add together to make 15.

1 + 14

2 + 13

3 + 12

4 + 11

5 + 10

6 + 9

7 + 8

Let's subtract the lesser number from the greater number in each pair to see which gives us a difference of 9.

14 - 1 = 13

13 - 2 = 11

12 - 3 = 9

11- 4 = 7

10 - 5 = 5

9 - 6 = 3

8 - 7 = 1

Twelve and three are the only numbers that make a sum of 15 and have a difference of 9, so that is our answer.

I hope that helps! If this answer was useful to you, give it an upvote.

Answer 2

IF the question is to find two numbers;

Let x and y be the two numbers

Given

x+y=10

x-y=2. (Two equations and two unknowns)

Solving for x,

Add the 2 equations,2x=12 and x=12/2 is 6

y can be solved by either of the equations by substitution and also

subtracting either equations from the other.

Substitution solution is as follows:

Taking 1st equation and substituting for x=6,

y=10-6 is 4

Answer 3

The answer is: 6 + 4 = 10

and 6 - 4 = 2

x + y = 10

x - y = 2

Solve equations simultaneously.

2x = 12

so x = 6