first number = X
second number = x +26 ( exceeds means higher so add 26)
x + x+26 = 58
combine like terms:
2x + 26 = 58
subtract 26 from each side:
2x = 58-26
2x = 32
divide both sides by 2:
x = 32/2
x = 16
first number is 16
second number = 16+26 = 42