Question 46342
<pre>Let the two numbers be X and Y, X being the larger number if there is one.
X+Y=230
X-Y=60

Take the second equation:
X+Y=30  minus X on both sides
Y=230-X

Now solve by substitution:
We know Y=230-X from the first problem, so replace Y in the second problem by (230-X)

X-(230-X)=60  distribute the invisible -1
X-230+X=60  +230 on both sides
2X=290  divide by 2 on both sides
X=145

Knowing this, we go back to the second equation to replace X with 145 and get Y:
145-Y=60  minus 145 on both sides
-Y=-85  times -1 on both sides
Y=85

X=145
Y=85</pre>