The sum of two numbers is 35 the smaller number is 7 less than the larger number what are the numbers

Mathematics · Middle School · Tue Nov 03 2020

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Given the statement:

The sum of two numbers is 35 the smaller number is 7 less than the larger number

Determine the number:

Solution:

Let x represent the larger number

x - 7 represent the smaller number.

Equate the given representations in one single solution with the operation of addition and the sum of 35, as the statement says.

x + (x - 7) = 35

x + x -7 = 35

Solve for x, by transposing first -7 on the other side of the equation, note that when transposing a  number the sign changes.

2x = 35 + 7

2x = 42

Divide both sides by 2 in order to find the value of x.

x = 21

Large number = 21

Small number = 21 -7 = 14

Check:

21 + 14 = 35

Final answer:
Large number = 21
Small number = 14