Question

The sum of two numbers is 68 and the difference is 12. What are the numbers?

Answer 1

40, 28

Explanation:

Let the numbers be x and y. The sum of two numbers is 68 and the difference is 12.

[Assuming x > y]

• x + y = 68
• x - y = 12

Now add these equations,

`\Rightarrow` x + y + x - y = 68 + 12

`\Rightarrow` 2x = 80

`\Rightarrow` x = 40

Then, y = 68 - 40 = 28

Hence,

The required numbers are:

• Greater = 40
• Smaller = 28

Some tips:

• Always incline towards using variables to get the results first, instead of hit n trial.
• Here y was eliminated when we added the equations. So always try to deduce the equations into a single variable.
• Cross check by placing the variable in the equation after u get the results.

Answer 2

The answer is 28 and 40, they are 12 numbers apart and both add up to 68