How would I translate and solve the following word problem into a pair of linear equations in two variables?
The sum of two numbers is 52, and their difference is 6. 
What are the numbers?
x = one number
y = the other number
x+y = sum of the two numbers 
     (just put a + between them to get their sum)
x-y = difference of the two numbers 
     (just put a minus between them to get 
      their difference)
Translate this part of the first sentence:
>>..The sum of two numbers is 52..<<
                        x+y = 52
Now translate this part:
>>..their difference is 6..<<
                        x-y = 6
So you have the system of equations:
 Can you solve that? If not post again asking how.
Answer: x=29,  y=23
Edwin
Can you solve that? If not post again asking how.
Answer: x=29,  y=23
Edwin