You can use substitution method x - y = 7 (x+y)^2=289 So Since the square of their sum is 298, their sum without being squared is the square root of 289. Hence, x - y = 7 x + y = 17 By subtracting you get the following: = (0) -2(y)=-10 So -2y=-10 y=-10/-2 y=5 Now, plug in y in both equations to get x x - (5) = 7 x + (5) = 17 Multiply each equation with its opposite y variables (5) x - (5) = 7 (-5) x + (5) = 17 = 5x -25 = 35 -5x -25 = -85 Now subtract the equations = 10x + (0) = 120 10x = 120 x = 120/10 x = 12
