Question

I'm thinking about 2 numbers. Here are the clues: Clue #1: The sum of

the first number and the second number are 8. Clue #2: The difference of
the first number and the second number are 4. What are the numbers?

Answer 1

First number: 6

Second number: 2

Explanation:

We can use system of equations to find the 2 numbers. Let's use x for the first number and y for the second number.

x+y=8

We have this equation because the first clue states that the sum of the first and second number is 8.

x-y=4

We have this equation because the second clue states that the difference between the first and second number is 4. Now that we have 2 equations, we can use the elimination method to find x and y.

x+y=8

x-y=4

Let's eliminate y. To eliminate y, you must add the 2 equations so that the y's can subtract each other. If this is confusing, think of it as this: (y+(-y)=0).

2x=12

x=6

Now that we know the value of x, we can plug this back into any of the equations to find y.

6+y=8

y=2

With x and y found, the first number is 6 and the second number is 2.