The sum of two numbers is 52. if twice the smaller number is subtracted from the larger number, the result is 4. find the two numbers.

Let X equal the larger number, and y equal the smaller number: X + Y = 52 X - 2Y = 10 Solve for one variable in one equation in order to substitute it in the second equation and solve for the 2nd variable. X = 52 - Y Now substitute X with 52-y in the 2nd equation and solve for y. (52 - y) - 2y = 1052 - 3y = 10-3y = - 42y = 14 Now solve for X. x + 14 = 52x = 38 Check your answer 38 - 2 (14) = 1038-28 = 1010=10