Question

The sum of two numbers is 3. One number is 20 more than the other one. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

-8.5 and 11.5

Explanation:

let 'n' and 'm' equal the two numbers

we can write this equation: n + m = 3

we can also write 'n = m + 20'

now to solve we can substitute 'm+20' for 'n' in the first equation:

m+20 + m = 3

combine like terms:

2m + 20 = 3

2m = -17

m = -8.5

n = 11.5