Question 1102838: The sum of two numbers is 43. The larger number is 5 more than the smaller number. What are the numbers? Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, greenestamps:Answer by josgarithmetic(39630) (Show Source):
Using algebra to solve this problem is a good exercise when you are first learning HOW to use algebra to solve problems.
But for this problem, if you are just looking to get the answer as quickly as possible, algebra is "overkill".
Use logical reasoning.
If the sum of the two numbers is 43 and one of them is 5 larger than the other, then take away that "extra" 5, leaving you with two numbers that are the same and whose sum is 43-5=38.
That makes the two numbers each 38/2 = 19.
Now give the extra 5 back to the larger number, giving you the answer to the problem, which is 19 and 24.
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