Question

The sum of two numbers is 10. the difference between the two numbers is 4. what is the smaller number?

Answer 1

3

Explanation:

Answer 2

The smaller number is 3

Explanation:

x+y =10

x-y =4

We can use elimination to solve this system

x+y =10

x-y =4

-----------------

2x = 14

Divide by 2

2x/2 = 14/2

x = 7

Now we need to find y

x+y =10

7+y =10

Subtract 7 from each side

7-7+y = 10-7

y = 3