Question

The sum of two numbers is 72. The greater number is 8 more than the smaller

number. Which equation can be used to solve for the smaller number? (1 point)
1) x - (x + 8) = 72
2) x + (x + 8) = 72
3) x(x + 8) = 72
04) x(x – 8) = 72

Answer 1

2

Explanation:

So first you would set your two numbers as variables. Let y be the greater number and x be the smaller number. This means that our equation for y will be x + 8. Now all we need to do is add x and y. INSTEAD of using y, we will SUBSTITUDE with the equation for y, x + 8. Now our equation looks like

x + (x + 8) = 72