x + y = 40   (further, lets say x is the larger number, x>y)

x - y = 16




Adding these (cancels y):

2x = 56

x = 28  -->  y = 12



The numbers are 28 and 12. 

RELATED QUESTIONS

The sum of two numbers is 40 and their difference is 16. Find the numbers.

 (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)

the sum of two numbers is 140 and their difference is 16. find the... (answered by praseenakos@yahoo.com)

the sum of two numbers is -16. and their difference s 8 find the... (answered by stanbon)

find the value of two numbers if their sum is 16 and their difference is... (answered by Alan3354)

The difference between two numbers is 40 and their sum is 96. Find the two... (answered by solver91311,checkley77)

the sum of two numbers is 62. their difference is 16. find the numbers.
 (answered by Jstrasner)

the sum of two numbers is 62. their difference is 16. find the numbers.
 (answered by Maths68)

the sum of two numbers is 16 and their difference is 5. find the difference of their... (answered by mananth)

The difference of two positive numbers is 4 and the sum of their squares is 40. Find the... (answered by htmentor)