Question

3. The sum of two numbers is 17. The difference between the larger number and the

smaller number is 7. What is the value of the smaller number?

Answer 1

5

Explanation:

To solve this problem, we need to set up a system of equations. Let x represent the larger number and y represent the smaller number.

x + y = 17

x - y = 7

We can solve this system by adding them together. The y cancels out because y + (-y) = 0. After that, we solve for x

2x = 24

x = 12 (Divide both sides by 2)

Now that we know the value of x, we can substitute it into one of our original equations to solve for y.

12 + y = 17

y = 5 (Subtract 12 from both sides)

So, the smaller number is 5.