Given:
Let x be the smaller number and y be the larger number.
x + y = 41
y = x + 23
Substitute y=x + 23 into the first equation.
x + x+ 23 = 41
2x + 23 = 41
Subtract 23 from both-side of the equation.
2x = 41 - 23
2x =18
Divide both-side of the equation by 2.
x = 9
Substitute x = 9 into y = x + 23
y= 9 + 23 = 32
Hence, the numbers are 9 and 32.