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
