The sum of two numbers is 76. One number is 30 more that the other. Find the numbers.

Question

Let x be the smaller number and y be the larger number. Write an equation that represents the fact that the sum of the numbers is 76.

[ ]=76 (Simplify your answer.)

Write and equation that represents the fact that one number is 30 more than the other.

y=[ ] (Simplify your answer)

The numbers are [ ].

(Use a comma to separate answers as needed. Simplify your answer.)

Answer 1

L+S = 76

L-S = 30 add the 2 equations to eliminate one variable

2L =106 divide by 2

L = 53 = the larger number

S=53-30 = 23 = the smaller number

Some people would use x and y as the variables standing for the two numbers,

but you could use any letters, although normally the end of the alphabet is for variables

and the beginning of the alphabet is for constants, fixed numbers.

middle of the alphabet is more open. L stands for the Large number, S for the small number

(it doesn't stand for Savings & Loan or Lucky Strike cigarettes LSMFT, Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco, an ad from the ancient non-PC past )