Solve for the Two Numbers: Sum 9, Difference 6

Then solve for $y$.In summary, the two numbers are 3 and 6, with the smaller number being 3 and the larger number being 6. This can be found by setting up equations for the sum and difference of the numbers and solving for one variable.
  • #1
paulmdrdo1
385
0
can you help me solve this just using one variable

the sum of two numbers is 9 and their difference is 6. what are the numbers?

thanks!
 
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  • #2
paulmdrdo said:
the sum of two numbers is 9 and their difference is 6. what are the numbers?
Let $x$ be the smaller of the two numbers. Since the difference is 6, the other number is $x+6$. Now try writing the equation saying that the sum of these numbers is 9 and try solving it.
 
  • #3
Alternatively:

$x + y = 9$
$x - y = 6$

The second equation tells us:

$x = y + 6$

So substitute that value for $x$ into the first equation, to get an equation in the single variable $y$.
 

FAQ: Solve for the Two Numbers: Sum 9, Difference 6

What does "Solve for the Two Numbers: Sum 9, Difference 6" mean?

The phrase "Solve for the Two Numbers: Sum 9, Difference 6" is a mathematical problem where you are given two conditions - the sum of two numbers is 9 and their difference is 6. The goal is to find the two numbers that satisfy these conditions.

What is the process for solving this problem?

The process for solving this problem involves setting up a system of equations and solving for the two unknown numbers. Let's call the two numbers x and y. The first equation is x + y = 9 (sum of two numbers is 9) and the second equation is x - y = 6 (difference between the two numbers is 6). From here, you can use substitution or elimination to solve for x and y.

Can this problem have more than one solution?

Yes, this problem can have more than one solution. Since there are two unknown numbers and only two equations, there can be multiple combinations of x and y that satisfy the conditions. In this case, there will be two possible solutions.

Is there a specific method or formula for solving this type of problem?

Yes, there is a specific method for solving this type of problem. It involves setting up a system of equations based on the given conditions and then using algebraic methods to solve for the unknown numbers. This method is commonly used for solving systems of equations.

What are the two possible solutions to this problem?

The two possible solutions to this problem are x = 7, y = 2 and x = 3, y = 6. These solutions satisfy both conditions of having a sum of 9 and a difference of 6.

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