Question

The sum of two numbers is 12. The difference between the numbers is for. What are the two numbers?

Answer 1

8 and 4

Explanation:

Let's call one number x and the other 'y' using the information above we can form and solve an equation.

The sum of two numbers is 12:

x + y = 12

The difference between the two numbers is 4

x - y = 4

What are the two numbers, well lets solve the equation and find out

x + y = 12

x - y = 4

→ We can the 'x's together which will cancel out 'y'

2x = 16

→ Divide both sides by 2 to isolate 'x' and find the value of one number

x = 8

→ Substitute x = 8 into x + y = 12 to rearrange the equation and find the value of 'y' or the other number

8 + y = 12

→ Minus both sides by 8 to isolate 'y' and find the value of the other number

y = 4

So the two numbers are 4 and 8. Also we can check using the information provided in the question

"The sum of two numbers is 12" → Does 8 + 4 = 12 → Yes

"The difference between the numbers is 4" → Does 8 - 4 = 4 → Yes

So that confirms that 8 and 4 are the solutions to this question

Answer 2

The two numbers are 8 and 4

Explanation:

x is one number

y is the other number

x+y = 12

x - y = 4

Add the two equations together

x+y = 12

x - y = 4

-----------------

2x = 16

Divide by 2

2x/2 = 16/2

x = 8

Now find y

x+y = 12

8+y = 12

y = 12-8

y = 4

The two numbers are 8 and 4