Question

The sum of two numbers is 39 and their difference is 5. Which is the larger number?

Answer 1

The larger number = 22

Explanation:

Let the two number x and y

The sum of two numbers is 39 can be represented as:

x + y = 39----------------1

The difference of two numbers is 5 can be represented as:

x - y = 5------------------2

x + y = 39----------------1

x - y = 5------------------2

Using Elimination Method and subtracting 2 from 1

x-x + y-(-y) = 39 - 5

0+y+y=34

2y=34

y=34/2

y=17

substituting y=17 in 1

x+17=39

x=39-17

x=22

∴ The larger number = 22

Answer 2

22

Explanation:

Let x be a number

Other number = 39 -x

x - (39 - x) =5

x - 39 + x = 5

2x = 5 + 39 = 44

x = 44/2

x = 22

Other number = 39 - 22 = 17