Question

The sum of two numbers is 40 and their difference is 6.5, what is their product? show work please

Answer 1

Let b>a, 

a+b=40 so we can say a=40-b

We are told that b-a=6.5, using a found above in the equation gives us:

b-(40-b)=6.5

b-40+b=6.5

2b-40=6.5

2b=46.5

b=23.25, and since  a=40-b

a=40-23.25

a=16.75

So a=16.75 and b=23.25

check...

16.75+23.25=40, 40=40

23.25-16.75=6.5, 6.5=6.5