Question 7278
1)  If their difference is 24, we know that one number must be "x" and the other must be "x-24"
 

2)  If the sum of these two numbers=4, SUM means add, so we must add the two numbers and equal that to 24: 
(x)+(x-24)=4
2x-24=4


add 24 to both sides
2x-24+{{{24}}}=4+{{{24}}}
2x=28


divide 2 from both sides
{{{2x/2}}}={{{28/2}}}

x=14
so:x-24=14-24=-10
The first number is 14 and the second number= -10



CHECK: 
x+(x-24)=4
14+(-10)=4
14-10=4