The sum of 2 numbers is 19. Their difference is 5. Find the numbers? Thanks.

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Answer 1 · 2018-04-11T07:55:34

Nice question.

So first we are told two numbers add to #19# :

#a + b = 19# ---(1)

And they subtract to #5# :

#a- b = 5# ---(2)

These are two simultaneous equation and can be solved by elimination:

(1) + (2):

# (a + b) +(a -b) = 19 + 5#

#2a = 24#

#a = 12#

In (1):

#12 + b = 19#

#b = 7#

So the two numbers are #12# and #7#.