Question

Can someone help me solve these word problems?

The sum of two numbers is 26 and their difference is 20. Find each of the numbers.

Answer 1

x + y = 26 ---> x = 26 - y
now sub 26 - y in for x in the other equation
x - y = 20
26 - y - y = 20
26 - 2y = 20
-2y = 20 - 26
-2y = - 6
y = -6/-2
y = 3
now sub 3 in for y in either equation to find x
x + y = 26
x + 3 = 26
x = 26 - 3
x = 23
check..
x - y = 20
23 - 3 = 20
20 = 20 (correct)
check..
x + y = 26
23 + 3 = 26
26 = 26(correct)

your numbers are : x = 23 and y = 3