The sum of two numbers is 38. The smaller number is 16 less than the larger number. What are the numbers?

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Answer 1 · 2017-09-27T19:58:29

#x=27#
#y=11#

If you let each number equal x and y.
We know the sum is 38 so,

#x+y=38#

And the smaller is 16 less than the larger. So if we say the smaller number is 7 then,

#x-16=y#

These can be solved as a simultaneous equation.

#x+(x-16)=38#

#2x-16=38#

#2x=54#

#x=27#

#(27)-16=y#

#y=11#