Solving Systems by Graphing problem

[lovehopefaith98]

I am having trouble figuring out this problem:

The sum of the distances two hikers walked is 53 miles, and the difference is 25 miles. What are the distances?

I have to figure it out by creating two equations and graphing, but I can't figure out how to do that. (I am confused on how to figure out problems like this). I know the answer is 39 miles and 14 miles, but like I said, I don't know how to figure that out.

This is what I have done so far (but it is probably wrong):

x=distance 1
y=distance 2

x+y=53
x-y=25

Thanks for all the help!

 

[wjm11]

Solving Systems by Graphing problem

I am having trouble figuring out this problem:

The sum of the distances two hikers walked is 53 miles, and the difference is 25 miles. What are the distances?

I have to figure it out by creating two equations and graphing, but I can't figure out how to do that. (I am confused on how to figure out problems like this). I know the answer is 39 miles and 14 miles, but like I said, I don't know how to figure that out.

This is what I have done so far (but it is probably wrong):

x=distance 1
y=distance 2

x+y=53
x-y=25

You are doing great. You've written your two linear equations. All you have to do is graph them. Their intersection will be the solution set.

You might like to rearrange your equations into y = mx + b form:

x + y = 53 becomes y = -x + 53 (by subtracting x from both sides)

x - y = 25 becomes y = x - 25 (by adding y and subtracting 25 from both sides)

Does that make sense?