Question

The sum of the two numbers is 52 and the difference is 28. Calculate the numbers.

Answer 1

Let's set these two numbers as 'a' and 'b'

Now, let's set up equations based on the information known:

• the sum of the two numbers is 52 --> a + b = 52
• the difference is 28 --> a - b =28

Equations

• a + b = 52 -- equation 1
• a - b = 28 -- equation 2

Solve:

  (Equation 1) + (Equation 2)

  2a = 80

     a = 40 -- equation 3

  (Equation 3)

     40 + b = 52

       b = 12

So a  = 40 and b = 12

Hope that helps!