The difference between two numbers is 9. Find the numbers. If their sum is 46

Question

studygurl14 · Answer

x and y are the two numbers
y - x = 9
x + y = 46

Solve the system of equations

alana242 · Answer

Why would you use y though . I'm so confused. I know the answer is 5 but idk how to get there

studygurl14 · Answer

It doesn't matter what variables you use.

mathmale · Answer

It's just about essential that you choose variables, such as x and y, to represent your unknowns.  y-x=9 states that "the difference between the unknown numbers x and y is 9."

studygurl14 · Answer

^Like @mathmale stated. It is just important that you use them, not which letters you pick

mathmale · Answer

Let's take:

y - x = 9
x + y = 46

and rewrite the 2nd equation:

y - x = 9
y + x = 46
---------


what would happen if you were now to add the 2 equations together?  Can you find y?

studygurl14 · Answer

@alana242