Question

the sum of two rational numbers is 85. if one number is 5 more than the other, then what are the numbers?

Answer 1

40 and 45

Explanation:

let the 2 numbers be x and y with y the larger of the two, then

x + y = 85 → (1)

x = y + 5 → (2)

substitute x = y + 5 into (1)

y + 5 + y = 85

2y + 5 = 85 ( subtract 5 from both sides )

2y = 80 ( divide both sides by 2 )

y = 40

substitute y = 40 into (2)

x = 40 + 5 = 45

the two numbers are 40 and 45