Question

The sum of two numbers is 2014, while their difference is 42. what are the two number?

Answer 1

Let x and y be the two numbers.

sum of two numbers is 2014

1) x + y = 2014

their difference is 42

2) x - y = 42

Answer 2

1) x + y = 2014
2) x - y = 42
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Add the two equations

2x = 2056

Solve for x

x = ?

Then substitute the value of x into x + y = 2014 and solve for y.

Answer 3

I typically do these types of problems in two parts. First, solve for one of the variables. i.e. x = y + 42. Then plug that into the other equation for x. So, x+y=2013 becomes y+42+y=2014. From there you can solve for both variables.