The larger of two numbers is 12 more than the smaller number. if the sum of the two numbers is 74, find the two numbers

X = smaller, y = larger

larger (y) is (=) 12 more than (+) smaller (x)

y = 12 + x

x + y = 74

plug one equation into the other:

x + y = 74

x + (12+x) = 74

2x + 12 = 74

2x = 74-12 = 62

2x/2 = 62/2

x = 31

y = 12 + x = 12 + 31 = 43

So smaller number = 31

and larger number = 43