Problema Solution

THE SUM OF TWO NUMBERS IS 17, AND THEIR DIFFERENCE IS 29. WHAT ARE THE TWO NUMBERS?

Answer provided by our tutors

x+y=17

x-y=29


this is a linear equation

get rid of one of the variables first, i choose x. So

x+y= 17

- - -

x-y = 29


2y=-12

y=-6


take one of the equations above to find x

x+(-6)=17

x-6=17

x=17+6

x=23