The sum of two numbers is −67. One number is 29 more than the other. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

Let x and y represent the two currently unknown numbers.

Then

x+y = -67 (the sum of two numbers IS -67).

y = x+29 (one number is 29 MORE THAN the other number.) - (also could have used x = y+29)

Now you have a system of 2 equations with two unknowns. In this case I suggest using the substitution method, because we already have one variable in terms of the other (y = x+29). So substitute x+29 for the y in the first equation.

x + x + 29 = -67.

Solve for x and then use that value to find y.