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

1 Answer
Sep 27, 2017

x=27
y=11

Explanation:

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