Let one number be x and another be y
The sum of two numbers is 38
x + y = 38
x = 38 - y
The greater number is 8 more than the other number.
x - y = 8
x = 8 + y
solve both equations:
8 + y = 38 - y
y + y = 38 - 8
2y = 30
solve for x:
x = 8 + y
x = 8 + 15