Question

The difference between two numbers is 18. if their sum is 86, what are the numbers..?

Answer 1

Let the two numbers by x and y.

As per the question

x - y = 18  

x + y = 86  

From the first equation, x = 18 + y.  

Put this in the second equation to get:  

18 + y + y = 86  

2y = 68  

y = 34  

Now, put this value of y in any of the two equations to get x, which is 52.  

Therefore, x = 52 and y = 34

Answer 2

Answer:

Let two number be x and y.

For x> y

As per the statement:

The difference between two numbers is 18

⇒$x - y = 18$                 .....[1]

It is also given that their sum is 86.

$x+y= 86$                    .....[2]

Add equation [1] and [2] to eliminate y we have;

2x = 104

Divide both sides by 2 we have;

x = 52

Substitute the value of x in [1] we have

52- y = 18

Subtract 52 from both sides we have;

-y = -34

Multiply by -1 both sides we have;

y = 34

Therefore, the numbers are: 52 and 34.