Difference is 9: x-y=9

From the second equation x=9+y (substitute that into the first equation to solve for y).

9+y+y=55

2y=46

y=23. (Substitute that back into the second equation to find x.)
x=9+y = 23+9 = 32.

23+32 = 55 (Check).

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Answer by lenny460(1073)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let the first number be n
Let the second number be n - 9
n + n - 9 = (n + n) - 9 = 2n - 9
2n - 9 = 55
Add 9 to each side of the equation.
2n - 9 + 9 = 55 + 9
Combine like terms:
-9 + 9 = 0
55 + 9 = 64
2n = 64
Divide each side by 2
2n/2 = 64/2
n = 32
n - 9 = 32 - 9 = 23
The first number is 23 and
The second number is 32.


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