Question

The sum of two numbers is 86 and the difference is 34, what are the numbers?

Answer 1

assume b>a
a+b=86
b-a=34

Answer 2

we may assume a is not b, because we have b-a=34

Answer 3

then we may assume without loss of generality that one is bigger than the other, i pick b

Answer 4

I am looking for two numbers.

Answer 5

right, we now have a system of equations you need to solve

a+b=86
b-a=34

Answer 6

ok

Answer 7

does this seem familiar at all? what are you doing in class?

Answer 8

26 and 60?

Answer 9

yep

Answer 10

okay help with a few more?

Answer 11

wait nvm

Answer 12

@blveXO
For future reference, sum and difference problems can be solved as follows:
big number = (sum+difference)/2 = (86+34)/2=60
small number = (sum - difference)/2 = (86-34) /2 = 26