Final answer:
By setting up an algebraic equation based on the given conditions, we find that the two numbers in question are 17 and 23. This is determined by solving the equation 2x + 6 = 40, where x represents the smaller number.
Step-by-step explanation:
The problem presented is a basic algebra question involving two unknown numbers with given conditions: one number is 6 more than the other, and their sum is 40. Let's define the smaller number as x. According to the problem, the other number would be x + 6.
The sum of these numbers is given as 40, so we can set up the following equation:
x + (x + 6) = 40
Combining the x values gives us:
2x + 6 = 40
Subtracting 6 from both sides gives:
2x = 34
Dividing both sides by 2 gives:
x = 17
Therefore, the smaller number is 17. To find the larger number, we add 6 to 17:
17 + 6 = 23
Conclusively, the two numbers are 17 and 23, which means the correct answer is option (c).