Question

The average of two numbers is 55. Ir their positive difference is 64, then determine the two numbers algebraically.

Answer 1

87,23

Explanation:

Let larger number be x other smaller number be y,
Given,
(x+y)/2=55
or, x+y=110---(i)
x-y=64---(ii)
Adding eqn (i) & (ii), we get,
x+y=110
+x-y=64
2x=174
x=87
Again,
Putting x=87 in eqn (ii), we get,
87-y=64
87-64=y
y=23

Answer 2

Answer:23,87

Explanation:

call the 2 numbers x and y

average of 2 numbers being 55 means (x+y)/2 = 55

if the positive difference of the two numbers is 64 then x-y=64

since you have two equations and two variables you can solve for x and y

(x+y)/2 = 55 --> x+y=110
x-y=64 --> x=64+y

x+y=110 and x=64+y --> 64+y+y=110

y=23

x=87

the two numbers are 23 and 87