let's take the numbers a and b
setup a system of equations:
a+b=26
a*b=88
now solve it using substitution:
1) b=88/a
2)(substitute) a+ 88/a = 26
3)(add fractions) (a^2+88)/a=26
4)(get polynominal) a^2-26a+88=0
5)(factor) (a-22)(a-4)=0
6) (solve) a=22 OR a = 4
7) (after checking) a= 22 or a=4
and b=22 or b=4