SOLUTION: Two numbers , whose difference is 8, add up to 50. Identify the smaller number.

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Question 893223: Two numbers , whose difference is 8, add up to 50. Identify the smaller number.
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Call the numbers +a+ and b+
(1) +b+-+a+=+8+
(2) +a+%2Bb+=+50+
-------------------
Add the equations
+2b+=+58+
+b+=+29+
and, since
(2) +a+%2Bb+=+50+
(2) +a+%2B+29+=+50+
(2) +a+=+21+
The smaller number is 21
check:
(1) +b+-+a+=+8+
(1) +29+-+21+=+8+
(1) +8+=+8+
OK