Question

The sum of two numbers is 72. The difference between them is 26. Find the smallest number

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

a + b = 72

a - b = 26

 

We can use the elimination method to solve this problem:

a + b = 72

a - b = 26

---------------

2a = 98

Divide both sides by 2:

a = 49

 

So we now have:

49 + b = 72

and:

49 - b = 26

 

Subtract 49 from both sides:

b = 23

and

-b= -23 (multiply both sides by -1) → b = 23

verified answer!!

Answer 2

Answer:

x=49 , y=23

Step-by-step explanation:

x-y = 26______(1)

x+y=72________(2)

adding 1 and 2

x+y+x-y = 72+26

2x=98

x=49

x+y=72

y=72-49

y=23