Question

The larger of two numbers is 12 more than the smaller number. If the sum of the two numbers is 74, find the two numbers. Show how you got your answer?

Answer 1

Set up two equations.
s + 12 = l , s + l = 74     (these equations represent the problem)

 s + (s + 12) = 74           plug in "l" to the second equation.

2s + 12 = 74               combine like terms.

2s + 12 - 12 = 74 - 12     subtract to isolate the variable

2/2s = 62/2     divide to isolate the variable.

s = 31.       This means the smaller number is 31.

31 + 12 = 43.   since the larger number is 12 more than the smaller, add 12.

l = 43              the larger number has a value of 43.

small number = 31
larger number = 43

hope this helps! :D