Question

One number is 38 less than another number. If the sum of the two numbers is 108, find the two numbers.

Answer 1

The two numbers are 35 and 73.

Explanation:

We can solve this problem by creating two simultaneous equations using the information given.

Let number 1 = x

Let number 2 = y

x = y - 38 -> ( 1 )

x + y = 108 -> ( 2 )

We can solve simultaneous equations using substitution or elimination. For this question, we will use substitution as it is the easier and shorter option.

Substitute ( 1 ) into ( 2 ):

x + y = 108 -> ( 2 )

( y - 38 ) + y = 108

2y - 38 = 108

2y = 146

y = 146 / 2

y = 73 -> ( 3 )

Substitute ( 3 ) into ( 1 ):

x = y - 38 -> ( 1 )

x = ( 73 ) - 38

x = 35

Therefore:

x = 35 , y = 73