Question 214331
The difference of two numbers is 17, and their sum is 85. Find the smaller of the two numbers


Step 1.  Let y be the larger number and x be the smaller number.


Step 2.  y-x=-x+y=17  (given the difference of two numbers is 17.


Step 3.  x+y=85  (sum is 85)


Step 4.  Steps 2 and 3 form a system of linear equations.


{{{-x+y=17}}}


{{{x+y=85}}}


Add two equations together to get


{{{2y=102}} or {{(y=51}}}


Then x=85-y=85-51=34


Step 5.  ANSWER:  The smaller number is 34.


I hope the above steps were helpful. 


For free Step-By-Step Videos on Introduction to Algebra, please visit http://www.FreedomUniversity.TV/courses/IntroAlgebra or for Trigonometry visit http://www.FreedomUniversity.TV/courses/Trigonometry.


And good luck in your studies!


Respectfully,
Dr J