<PRE><B>Question 1030396</B>
x = first number
y = second number


The sum of two numbers is 17, so
x+y = 17


Their difference is 7, so
x-y = 7


We have this sytem of equations
x+y = 17
x-y = 7


Add up the equations to get
x+y = 17
x-y = 7
--------
2x+0y = 24


So 2x = 24 which means x = 12 after you divide both sides by 2 to isolate x.


Use x = 12 to find the other number.


x+y = 17
12+y = 17
12+y-12 = 17-12
y = 5


So the second number is y = 5


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Final Answer: the two numbers are 12 and 5


Sum: 12+5 = 17
Difference: 12-5 = 7
Answer checks out</PRE>