Question

The sum of two numbers is 20. One number is four less than the other. Find the numbers.

Short answer

The two numbers are 12 and 8.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Given Information

The sum of two numbers is 20. One number is four less than the other.

Step 2. Forming linear equation

Let one number be$x$and other will be$x-4.Then,$

Sum$=20$

$x+x-4=20$

Step 3. Finding numbers

$$\begin{gathered} 2x-4=20 \\ 2x=20+4 \\ 2x=24 \\ x=12, \\ othernumber=x-4=8 \end{gathered}$$