Q. 4.27 - Intermediate Algebra

Question

The sum of two numbers is 10 One number is 4 less than the other. Find the numbers.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The two numbers are $3$and $7$

Step 1. Given data and Forming Equation

On reading the problem we come to know that we need two number which are unknown.

So we need to assume two number.

Let the first number be $a$

Let the second number be  $b$

We are given that sum of this two numbers is $10$

So equation can be written as

$a+b=10.......\left(1\right)$

Also second number $b$is $4$ less than first number $a$

So equation can be written as $a=b-4$

On rearranging we get:

$a-b=-4..........\left(2\right)$

Step 2. Solving Equation a + b = 10 . . . . . . . ( 1 ) a - b = - 4 . . . . . . . . . . ( 2 ) On adding two equation we get: 2 a = 6 a = 3 Now substitute a = 3 in equation 1 3 + b = 10 b = 7 So the two numbers are 3 and 7