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The sum of two numbers is 144 . One of the numbers decreased the other by 81 . Find the numbers.

User Nirg
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1 Answer

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Answer:

31.5 and 112.5, if I read "decreased the other" correctly.

Explanation:

x + y = 144

x = (y + 81)

System of equations, and they've already given us an expression for x in terms of y, so plug that into the 1st equation:

x + y = 144

(y + 81) + y = 144 Now there are only y's. Simplify:

y + 81 + y = 144

2y = 144 + 81

y = 225/2 = 112.5

Now plug 112.5 into either equation and solve for x:

x + 112.5 = 144

x = 31.5

Check our work:

  • Do the numbers add up to 144? 112.5 + 31.5 = 144. Yes.
  • Is one of them 81 less than the other: 112.5 - 31.5 = 81. Yes.

So those must be the two numbers. Weird that they're decimals though.

User Gcedo
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