Question

The sum of two numbers is 25. One of he numbers exceeds the other by 9. Find the numbers

Answer 1

x and y are the numbers
sum is 25 so
x+y=25

x is bigger than y by 9
x=y+9
subsitue y+9 for x

x+y=25
y+9+y=25
2y+9=25
minus 9 both sides
2y=16
divide by 2
y=8

sub back
x=y+9
x=8+9
x=17

the numbers are 8 and 17

Answer 2

x + y = 25
x is the smaller number.
y is the smaller number plus 9 (x + 9).

x + (x + 9) = 25
2x + 9 = 25
2x = 16
x = 8

8 + y = 25
y = 17

The numbers are 8 and 17.