Question

The sum of two numbers is 22. One number is 2 less than the other. How do you find the numbers?

Answer 1

Hint:In order to solve the question, first we need to assume the one number be \[x\] and then according to the condition given in the question, we will need to write the other number. Then according to the question we will equate the addition of these two numbers equals to 22. Then we will need to simplify the equation and we will get the required two numbers.

Complete step by step solution:
We have given that,
The sum of two numbers is 22 and one number is 2 less than the other.
Let assume the one number be \[x\].
Now, according to the condition given in the question i.e. one number is 2 less than the other. Then,
The other number will be\[x-2\].
According to the question,
\[\Rightarrow x+\left( x-2 \right)=22\]
Simplifying the above equation, we get
\[\Rightarrow x+x-2=22\]
Combining the like terms, we get
\[\Rightarrow 2x-2=22\]
Adding 2 on both the sides of the equation, we get
\[\Rightarrow 2x=24\]
Now, solving for the value of ‘x’, we get
\[\Rightarrow x=12\]
Thus, the one number is 12.
Other number will be 12-2 = 10
Therefore, the two numbers are 12 and 10.

Note:
The chances of making an error in this question can be at that point where you are assuming the variable and where you find to form a number according to the condition given in the question. In such conditions, try to assume the one number to be any variable and form the other numbers in the terms of the first number.