<PRE><B>Question 699427</B>
&lt;br&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Tahoma&quot;&gt;This is a system of equations with two variables:&lt;br&gt;

Let x be the larger number, let y be the smaller number.  Then:&lt;br&gt;

{{{x-y=16}}} given&lt;br&gt;

{{{(2*x)+(3*y)=72}}} given&lt;br&gt;

At this point you can use any method to solve for x or y.&lt;br&gt;

Let&#39;s use substitution, by solving the first equation for x:&lt;br&gt;

{{{x=y+16}}}&lt;br&gt;

Then substitute this value for x into the second equation:&lt;br&gt;

{{{(2*(y+16))+(3*y)=72}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{2y+32+3y=72}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{5y+32=72}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{5y=40}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{y=8}}}&lt;br&gt;

If y=8, then it is easy to see that:&lt;br&gt;

{{{x-y=16}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{x-8=16}}}&lt;br&gt;

{{{x=24}}}&lt;br&gt;

So the two numbers are 24 and 8.&lt;br&gt;

Check it, it works.&lt;br&gt;

I hope this helps!  Keep practicing!  :)&lt;br&gt;

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