Find the value of two numbers if their sum is 28 and their difference is 6.

Answer 1

This problem translates to the following equations

x + y = 28

x - y = 6

If you add these equations, on the left side y and -y add up to zero, thus you will be left with x + x =2x.

On the right side 28 + 6 = 34. Thus, 2x = 34, divide both sides by 2, x = 17. After that you can use the first equation to find y. 17 + y = 28, subtract 17 from both sides y = 28 - 17 = 11. Plug in to the second equation to confirm that the values work 17 - 11 = 6. Answer x = 17, y = 11.