Question

"If the greater of two numbers is 12 more than the smaller number, and the sum of the two numbers is 10, can you determine the values of both numbers? Please provide the values of both numbers and explain your reasoning."

Answer 1

the 2 numbers are - 1 and 11

Explanation:

let n be the smaller number then n + 12 is the greater number

the sum of the 2 numbers is 10

the equation representing the situation is then

n + n + 12 = 10 ( simplify left side )

2n + 12 = 10 ( subtract 12 from both sides )

2n + 12 - 12 = 10 - 12 ( simplify both sides )

2n = - 2 ( divide both sides by 2 )

`(2)/(2)` n =
`(-2)/(2)` , that is

n = - 1

and n + 12 = - 1 + 12 = 11

the 2 numbers are - 1 and 11