Final answer:
The smaller number is 17 and the larger number is 22.
Step-by-step explanation:
Let's solve this problem using algebra.
Let the smaller number be x.
The larger number is then x+5.
The sum of the two numbers is x + (x+5) = 39.
Combining like terms, we get 2x + 5 = 39.
Subtracting 5 from both sides, we have 2x = 34.
Dividing both sides by 2, we find x = 17.
So the smaller number is 17 and the larger number is 17+5 = 22.
Learn more about Solving equations for unknown variables