Question

The sum of two numbers is 38, and their difference is twenty-six more than the smaller number. What are the two numbers?
x + y = 38; y – x = x + 26,
2x = 38; 61 = x + 26,
2y = 38; 61 = x – 26,
x + y = 38; x – y = 26 – x

Answer 1

1st one is correct..

Answer 2

As well as choosing the starting equations don't you need to solve for x and y?

Answer 3

Thanks! It appears to be abstract to me.