Question

The sum of two numbers is 77. The greater number is 5 more than the smaller number. Which equation can be used to solve for the smaller number?

x(x − 5) = 77
x(x + 5) = 77
x − (x + 5) = 77
x + (x + 5) = 77

Answer 1

@LynFran

Answer 2

Let's call the smaller number x.
If the larger number is 5 more than the smaller number, then what is an expression for the larger number using x?

Answer 3

x+5

Answer 4

Correct.
Now we know the two numbers are x and x + 5.
We are told the sum of the numbers is 77.
How do you express the sum of x and x + 5?

Answer 5

i dont know

Answer 6

hint... sum means to add

Answer 7

i know

Answer 8

A sum means to add together. You need the sum of the number x and the number x + 5.

Answer 9

The sum of 2 and 3 is 2 + 3
The sum of a and b is a + b
The sum of x and x + 5 is ...

Answer 10

x + (x+5)

Answer 11

Exactly.
Just one step left to do.
We are told the sum is 77.
That means that sum you just wrote equals 77.
Can you write that now?

Answer 12

yes x + (x +5) = 77

Answer 13

Exactly.
Good job!

Answer 14

@mathstudent55 i have one more problem can you help mez/