Question

The sum of two numbers is 9 and their difference is 5.
What are the two numbers?

Answer 1

To solve this problem, we can set up a system of equations using the information given and solve it using the substitution method.

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve this problem, we can set up a system of equations using the information given. Let's call the two numbers x and y.

From the given information, we can write:

x + y = 9 (equation 1)

x - y = 5 (equation 2)

To solve this system, we can use the method of substitution or elimination. Let's solve it using the substitution method:

From equation 2, we can isolate x by adding y to both sides:

x = y + 5

Now substitute this expression for x in equation 1:

(y + 5) + y = 9

Combine like terms:

2y + 5 = 9

Subtract 5 from both sides:

2y = 4

Divide both sides by 2:

y = 2

Now substitute this value for y in equation 1:

x + 2 = 9

Subtract 2 from both sides:

x = 7

So, the two numbers are 7 and 2.