Question

Two numbers add to 272 and the first is 254 bigger than the second. What are the two numbers

Answer 1

Let's say the two numbers are "a" and "b"
both add up to 272, thus
a + b = 272

now, the first is 254 bigger  than the second, or
"a" is 254 bigger than "b", namely   a = b + 254

thus      $\bf \begin{cases} a+b=272\\\\ \boxed{a}=b+254\\ ----------\\ \left( \boxed{b+254} \right)+b=272 \end{cases}$

solve for "b"

what about "a"?  well, a = b + 254

Answer 2

9 and 263 are the answers