We can use a system of equations in order to solve for both of the numbers. Let's start off by assigning variables to each number. The bigger number can be 'x', and the smaller number can be 'y'.
We can make two equations from the given:
x = 18 + y
("One number is 18 more than another number")
x + y = 36
("The sum of the numbers is 36")
If you look at the first equation, the variable 'x' already has a value (18 + y). We can input its value into the second equation in order to solve for y:
x + y = 36
(18 + y) + y = 36
18 + 2y = 36
2y = 18
y = 9
Input the value of 'y' into the first equation:
x = 18 + y
x = 18 + 9
x = 27
One number is 27 and the other number number is 9.
Let me know if you'd like me to explain anything I did here.
- breezyツ