Question

Two numbers total 12, and their difference is 18. find the smaller of the two numbers

Answer 1

x= 15

y= -3

Explanation:

To find the two numbers, write a system of equations with x as one number and y as another:

x+y=12

x-y=18

Use elimination to solve by adding the equations together.

x+y=12

x-y=18

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2x=30

x=15

Substitute x=15 into one equation to find y.

15+y=12

y=12-15

y=-3