Question

The sum of two numbers is 39. the second number is 6 more than half of the first number. let a represent the firstnumber and let b represent the second number. what are the two numbers? use the table to answer the question.

Answer 1

• a = 22
• b = 17

Explanation:

Givens

Let a = the first number

Let b = the second number

Equations

a + b = 39

b = 1/2 * a + 6

Put the second equation into the first one

a + 1/2 * a + 6 = 39 Simplify the left.

(3/2)a + 6 = 39 Subtract 6 from both sides

(3/2)a + 6 - 6 = 39 - 6 Combine

(3/2)a = 33 Multiply both sides by 2

3a = 33*2

3a = 66 Divide both sides by 3

3a/3 = 66/3

a = 22

b = 1/2 a + 6

a = 22

b = 1/2 * 22 + 6

b = 11 + 6

b = 17

Check

22 + 17 = 39