Question 926481
You are asked to find two numbers with a sum of 72.
You are also told that one of the numbers is 12 greater than the other.

Let the smaller number be S.
Then the larger number is (S + 12)

{{{S + (S+12) = 72}}}
{{{ S + S + 12 = 72}}}
{{{2S + 12 = 72}}}
{{{2S +12 - 12 = 72 - 12}}}
{{{2S = 60}}}
{{{S = 30}}}
If S = 30, then S+12 = 42

Check your answer. Does 30 + 42 = 72??