One number (a) exceeds another number (b) by 11 so a = b+11 a + b = 77
Substitute the equation for a into the second equation (b+11) + b = 77 multiply each side by 1 to remove parentheses b + 11 + b = 77 Combine like terms 2b + 11 = 77 Isolate the variable 2b = 77-11 Simplify 2b = 66 Divide by 2 b = 33 Now substitute b back into the initial equation for a a = (33) + 11 a = 44
Check your work by substituting both values into the second equation 44 + 33 = 77 This is true, so 44 and 33 are solutions
