Let x be the smaller number.

Then the other number is x+10.


We have this equation


    x + (x+10) = 72


Then


    2x + 10 = 72

    2x = 72 - 10

    2x = 62

     x = 62/2 = 31.


ANSWER.  The numbers are  31  (the smaller)  and  31+10 = 41 (the greater).

Let larger number be L, and smaller, S

Then we get: L + S = 72 ------- eq (i)

Also, L - S = 10 ------- eq (ii)

Add the 2 equations and solve to get the value of L, the larger number.

Substitute the value of L in any of the 2 equations, preferably eq (i), to get the value of S, the smaller number. 

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