Converting Words into Equations
We can convert word problems into equations by translating key terms into operations:
- sum = we add
- difference = we subtract
- twice = multiply by 2
- is = equals
Solving the Question
We're given:
- sum of two numbers is 5
- difference between the first number and twice the second number is 29
Let the first number be a and the second number be b.
Translate the words into numbers:
- sum of two numbers is 5

- difference between the first number and twice the second number is 29

Subtract the second equation from the first to isolate b:



Therefore b is -8.
Substitute b back into the first equation to find a:

Therefore, a is 13.
Answer
a = 13
b = -8