Let those 2 numbers be x and y, with x>y (needed for the subtraction to put the bigger number first to get a positive answer). "The difference of the two numbers is 36" can be represented by the equation x - y = 36 "Their sum is 286" can be represented by the equation x + y=286.
We can now create a system: x - y = 36 (1) x + y = 286 (2)
In the equation (1), let's find the value of x: x - y = 36 Add y in both sides so we can get x on a side and its value on the other: x - y + y = 36 + y x = 36 + y
In the equation (2), let's replace x by its found value to find the value of y: x + y = 286 36 + y + y = 286 2y + 36 = 286 Subtract 36 from each side so we can get the variable on a side and the numbers on another: 2y + 36 = 286 2y + 36 - 36 = 286 - 36 2y = 250 Divide both sides by 2 so we can get the variable y on a side, and its value on the other: (2y)/2 = 250/2 y = 125.
In equation (1), let's replace y by it's value to find the numeric value of x: x - y = 36 x - 125 = 36 Let's 125 in each side to get x on a side and its value on the other: x - 125 + 125 = 36 + 125 x = 161
You can re-check your answer (Very important): x - y = 161 - 125 = 36 (The difference of the 2 numbers is 36) x + y = 161 + 125 = 286 (their sum is 286) The answer has been approved.
