Question

The sum of two numbers is 64. The difference between the numbers is 14. Write a system

to find both numbers. Remember to show all work.

Answer 1

They say that the sum of the two numbers (x and y) is 64, so we can write our first equation by adding them and setting that sum equal to 64:

x + y = 64

The question also tells us that their difference is 14. Similarly to before, we'll just subtract the two numbers and set that difference equal to 14:

x - y = 14

Now from here, you know how to continue with substitution to find the values for x and y. Just remember when you get a word problem to break it down and look for key words like sum, difference, or product, and from there you'll be able to build your system of equations.