SOLUTION: 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

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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?
Will you help me in laymen terms how to select the correct answer
x+y=73; y-x=x-32
2y=73; 73=y-32
x+y=73; x-y=32-x
2x=73; 73=x+12
Thank you for your assistance
Answer by rwm(914) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The sum of two numbers is 73
x+y=73;
and their difference (y-x) is thirty-two less (-32) than the smaller number (x)
y-x=x-32 which could be y=2x-32
if the first really is y-x=x-32 it is correct.
It also could be x-y = y-32 which could be x=2y-32
so it is the first choice
y-x=x-32 and x-y=32-x are equivalent
multiply by -1
-1*(y-x)=x-y
-1*(x-32)=32-x
so the first and the third should be accepted as correct.
however the first is in the wording of the problem.