Question

The sum of two numbers is 77. The greater number is 5 more than the smaller number. Which equation can be used to solve for the smaller number?

x(x − 5) = 77

x(x + 5) = 77

x − (x + 5) = 77

x + (x + 5) = 77

Answer 1

The answer is x + (x + 5) = 77 ( Option D)

Explanation:

Answer 2

We can write a system of equations.

x + y = 77
y = x + 5

Plug in x + 5 into the first equation:

x + y = 77

x + (x + 5) = 77

So this is our answer.