Will you help me with this math problem?

Question

the second of two numbers is 4 more than the first. The sum of the numbers is 56.
If x represents the first number, and y represents the second number, what are the numbers?

If you answer, can you show me HOW you got your answer?

Answer 1

Let x by the smaller number. Then y is the larger number and the problem tells you that
y = x + 4
and also that
x + y = 56.
Make the substitution for y and get
x + x + 4 = 56
2x + 4 = 56
2x = 52
x = 26 and y=x+4 = 30
check
26 + 30 = 56 so we're kewl.

Doug

Answer 2

y = 4 + x {the second of two numbers is 4 more than the first}
x + y = 56 {The sum of the numbers is 56.}

substitute first eqn to second eqn
x + x + 4 = 56
2x = 52
x = 26

substituting x to first eqn
y = 4 + 26
y = 30

the two numbers are (x =) 26 and (y =) 30.

Answer 3

X + Y = 56
Y = (4 + X) Four more than the first
X + 4 + X = 56 Now collect like terms
2X + 4 (-4)= 56 (-4)
2X = 52
X = 26
So the numbers are
X = 26
Y = 4 + 26 = 30