Question 172917
Two numbers, x & y 
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Write an equation for each statement:
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"The sum of number is 12."
x + y = 12
x = (12-y)
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"If two times the greater number is subtracted from 5 times the lesser number, the result is 25"
5y - 2x = 25
Substitute (12-y) for x, find y
5y - 2(12-y) = 25
5y - 24 + 2y = 25
5y + 2y = 25 + 24
7y = 49
y = {{{49/7}}}
y = 7
then
x = 12 - 7 = 5
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However, this make y the greater number, anyway charging ahead we have:
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what is the product of the two  original numbers if the greater one is doubled and the lesser one is cut in half?"
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Here again, if you double one number, & halve the other they are no longer original, are they? Anyway do what they say:
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2(7) * .5(5) =
14 * 2.5 = 35
but if you reverse it
2(5) * .5(7)
10 * 3.5 = 35, the same solution
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A strange problem.

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