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

1 Answer
Apr 11, 2018

Nice question.

Explanation:

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.