<PRE><B>Question 1171445</B>
let x = the larger number
let y = the smaller
;
write a equation for each statement
:
1. The sum of two numbers is 87.
  x + y = 87
 The larger number subtracted from twice the smaller is 18.
  2y - x = 18
Rearrange equation for elimination with the first equation
-x + 2y = 18
 x + y  = 87
--------------addition eliminates x find y
 0 + 3y = 105
y = 105/3
y = 35
then
x + 35 = 87
x = 87 - 35
x = 52
:
:
Check solutions in the 2nd equation
2(35) - 52 = 18


 What are the numbers.</PRE>