88.7k views
5 votes
The sum of two numbers is 38. The larger number is 20 more than the smaller number. What are the numbers?

2 Answers

3 votes
x= smaller number
x+20= larger number

Add the two numbers together and solve for x.

x + (x+20)= 38
combine like terms
2x + 20= 38
subtract 20 from both sides
2x= 18
divide both sides by 2
x= 9 smaller number

To find the larger number, substitute x=9 in the expression x+20.
=x+20
=9+20
= 29 larger number

CHECK:
9 + 29= 38
38= 38

ANSWER: The smaller number is 9 and the larger number is 29

Hope this helps! :)
User Maestromani
by
7.7k points
3 votes
9 and 29 would be your answer. Because there is a 20 difference in the two numbers and they equal 38 when added together. Hope this helps!
User KennyVB
by
8.4k points

No related questions found