Question

Based on the Census, state A has 12 fewer electoral votes for President than state B. If the total number of electoral votes for these two states is 82, find the number for each state.

Answer 1

Let

x ------> number of electoral votes for state A

y ------> number of electoral votes for state B

so

we have

x=y-12 -------> equation 1

x+y=82 ------> equation 2

solve the system

substitute equation 1 in equation 2

(y-12)+y=82

solve for y

2y=82+12

2y=94

y=47

Find the value of x

x=47-12

x=35

therefore

number of electoral votes for state A is 35

number of electoral votes for state B is 47