The sum of two number is 72; x+y = 72
If twice the smaller number is subtracted from the larger number the result is,9; x-2y = 9 (y is smaller #)
If x+y = 72. then 2x + 2y =72
x -2y = 9;
when you add these equations, y cancels out and we have 3x = 81
3x = 81 then x = 27 (just divide both sides by 3)
if x +y = 72 and x = 27, so 27 + y = 72 (plug in x value in the equation)
when you solve this equation for y, you get the answer
