Question

the sum of two numbers is 31. if one of these numbers is x and x is 11 more than the other number what is the value of x

Answer 1

y equals 17

So the larger of the two numbers is 17.

Explanation:

So, here is what is given.

x+y=31

2x=y+11

So if x+y=31, then 2x+2y will equal 62. Replace 2x with what's given.

y+11+2y=62

3y+11 -11 =62 -11

3y=51

y=17.

Alternatively

x+y=31, and 2x=y+11

x -x +y=31 -x

y=31-x

2x=31-x+11

2x +x=42-x+x

3x=42

x=14

2(14)=y+11

28 -11 =y+11 -11

Again, y equals 17.

So the larger of the two numbers is 17.