Question

11. Separate the number 39 into two parts

so that the first number is 5 more than
the second number. What are the
numbers?

Answer 1

17 & 22

Explanation:

We can set up a simple equation to help us solve this problem.

n + (n + 5) = 39

The equation means we have two numbers, one being a number and one being that same number plus 5, and these two numbers are equal to 39

(as the problem says)

To solve:

(equation) n + (n + 5) = 39

("distribute") n + n + 5 = 39

(combine like terms) 2n + 5 = 39

(subtract 5 from both sides) 2n = 34

(dividing both sides by 2) n = 17

To answer the problem:

(equation) n + (n + 5) = 39

(plug in) (17) + ((17) + 5) = 39

(simplify with addition) 17 + 22 = 39

And there are our two numbers (17 & 22). We can test by adding them together and making sure we get 39 (which we do)