SOLUTION: Word problems are not my thing. Please help with steps. One number is 10 more than a second number. The sum of the two numbers is 16. What are the two numbers?

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Numbers -> SOLUTION: Word problems are not my thing. Please help with steps. One number is 10 more than a second number. The sum of the two numbers is 16. What are the two numbers?      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com
Ad: Algebrator™ solves your algebra problems and provides step-by-step explanations!
Ad: Algebra Solved!™: algebra software solves algebra homework problems with step-by-step help!

   

Question 149099: Word problems are not my thing. Please help with steps.
One number is 10 more than a second number. The sum of the two numbers is 16. What are the two numbers?
Answer by josmiceli(9664) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First give the numbers names
Let a = the 1st number
Let b = the 2nd number
a+%2B+b+=+16 given
It doesn't matter whether I make a more than b
or b more than a, so I'll say
b+=+a+%2B+10 (b is greater than a)
Now substitute the expression for b into the
1st equation
a+%2B+a+%2B+10+=+16
2a+%2B+10+=+16
2a+=+6
a+=+3
And, since b+=+a+%2B+10
b+=+3+%2B+10
b+=+13
The numbers are 3 and 13