The sum of two numbers is 12. If one number is subtracted from the other, their difference is - 2. Find the numbers

We can solve this by setting up a system of equations. x and y will represent the two numbers.

x+y = 12

x-y = - 2

Personally, I'm going to solve the system by solving one of the equations for x and substituting it into the other one.

x = 12-y

12-y-y = - 2

12-2y = - 2

-2y = - 14

y = 7

Now find the other number by plugging 7 in for y in one of the equations.

x+7 = 12

x = 5

OR

x-7 = - 2

x = 5

So, the two numbers are 5 and 7.

The first number is 5

the 2nd number is 7