Two numbers total 83 and have a difference of 17 find the two numbers

Discussion in 'Calculator Requests' started by math_celebrity, Nov 1, 2016.

  1. math_celebrity

    math_celebrity Administrator Staff Member

    Let the numbers be x and y. Set up our givens:
    1. x + y = 83
    2. x - y = 17
    Add equation (1) to equation (2)
    x + x + y - y = 83 + 17

    The y-terms cancel out:
    2x = 100

    Divide each side by 2:
    2x/2= 100/2
    x = 50

    Plug x = 50 into equation (1)

    50 + y = 83

    Subtract 50 from each side:
    50 - 50 + y = 83 - 50

    Cancel the 50 on the left side:
    y = 33

    So our two numbers (x, y) = (33, 50)

     
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2023

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