Question

One number is six less than the other. If their sum is 42, what are the two numbers?

Answer 1

Hi! I'm happy to help!

To find this answer, we first need to find what half of 42 is, so we can base our numbers off of that:

42÷2=21

To the number that is six less than the other and still equal 42, we need to get our two numbers, one half of six higher than 21, and one half of six less than 21.

21+6/2=

21+3=

24

21-6/2

21-3

18

So, our two numbers are 24 and 18. They add together to equal 42, and 18 is 6 less than 18.

Answer 2

The two numbers are 18 and 24.

Explanation:

Let x and y be the two numbers.

One of them (let's say y) is six less than the other. In other words:

`\displaystyle y = x - 6`

Together, their sum is 42. Hence, we can write the equation:

`x + y = 42`

Solve for x. Substitute:

`\displaystyle x + (x - 6) = 42`

Combine like terms:

`2x - 6 = 42`

Add:

`2x = 48`

And divide. Hence:

`x = 24`

y is given by (x - 6). Hence:

`y = (24) - 6 = 18`

In conclusion, the two numbers are 18 and 24.