The sum of two whole numbers is 72. Their difference is 48.

[petreamainard]

The sum of two whole numbers is 72. Their difference is 48. What are the two whole numbers? Please explain. What type of math is this considered?

 

[Deleted member 4993]

It could be elementary math.

Start with an assumption the numbers are 36 and 36.

Since their difference must be 48 - add half of it to one side and subtract half of it from the otherside

So the numbers could be (36+24=) 60 and (36-24=) 12.

Now check whether these (60 and 12) match the given conditions or not.

Stole the logic of Stapel's son - just makes more sense than any other petrified logic.

 

[petreamainard]

Formula

Is there an actual formula for this? :?:

 

[jwpaine]

Re: Formula

Is there an actual formula for this? :?:

Yes, with algebra.

With algebra, we can construct a system of equations and solve for two or more variables.

{x + y = 72
{x - y = 48

But this isn't really appropriate for the "arithmetic" section
John

 

[Prostagma]

Just putting it out there

The sum of two whole numbers is 72. Their difference is 48. What are the two whole numbers? Please explain. What type of math is this considered?

Equation 1: x+y= 72
Equation 2: x-y=48

Combine the two equations

2x=120
divide both sides by 2
x=60

Going back to the equations

1. 60+y=72
y=72-60
y=12

2. 60-y=48
-y=-12
y=12

It works in both equations, so the two numbers are 60 and 12.