Hey there!!
Looking at the question, we know that there are two numbers.
- Let's take the first number or the larger number as 'x'
- Let's take the second number or the smaller number as 'y'.
As stated:
- The sum of two numbers, x and y is 24
- The difference of the greater and smaller number is 18.
Taking equations:
... x+y=24 --- (1)
... x-y=18 --- (2)
Now, let's add both the equations.
... 2x=42
... x=42/2
...x=21
Hence, the larger number is 21.
Based off this, we will know that the smaller number is 3
Hence, the smaller number is 3
Hope my answer helps!