document.write( "Question 449101: Select the set of equations that represents the following situation: The sum of two numbers is 73, and their difference is thirty-two less than the smaller number. What are the two numbers? \r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Will you help me in laymen terms how to select the correct answer
\n" ); document.write( "x+y=73; y-x=x-32
\n" ); document.write( "2y=73; 73=y-32
\n" ); document.write( "x+y=73; x-y=32-x
\n" ); document.write( "2x=73; 73=x+12\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Thank you for your assistance
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Algebra.Com's Answer #308975 by rwm(914)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The sum of two numbers is 73
\n" ); document.write( "x+y=73;
\n" ); document.write( "and their difference (y-x) is thirty-two less (-32) than the smaller number (x)
\n" ); document.write( " y-x=x-32 which could be y=2x-32
\n" ); document.write( "if the first really is y-x=x-32 it is correct.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "It also could be x-y = y-32 which could be x=2y-32
\n" ); document.write( "so it is the first choice
\n" ); document.write( "y-x=x-32 and x-y=32-x are equivalent
\n" ); document.write( "multiply by -1
\n" ); document.write( "-1*(y-x)=x-y
\n" ); document.write( "-1*(x-32)=32-x
\n" ); document.write( "so the first and the third should be accepted as correct.
\n" ); document.write( "however the first is in the wording of the problem.
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