Question

X+y=20 and x-y=4 what is the smaller of these two numbers?

Answer 1

y = 8 is the smaller number.

Explanation:

Sove the system by adding the two equations together, one on top of the other. Add from the top, down.



x + y = 20

x - y = 4

________

2x = 24

Divide by 2.

x = 12

Put this back into either original equation.

x + y = 20

12 + y = 20

Subtract 12.

y = 8

The numbers are 12 and 8.

8 is the smaller number.