Question

The sum of two numbers is 72, and twice their difference is 24. What is the smaller of the two numbers?

Answer 1

x+y=72
2(x-y)=24

Answer 2

one number = x
another - y
now, just read the problem...
x+y=72
2(x-y)=24

solve the system for z & y - your numbers

Answer 3

I got 12 for x. Am I on the right track?

Answer 4

x+y=72
x-y=12
2x=72+12=84
so x=84/2=42

Answer 5

y=72-x
x-(72-x)=12
x-72+x=12
2x=12+72
2x=84
x=42

Answer 6

So, how would I find the other number? Plug it in?