Answer :
a + b = 46
a-b = 2
solve one of the equations for a...
a + b = 46
a = b + 2
solve for "b" using substitution...
(b + 2) + b = 46
2b + 2 = 46
2b = 44
b = 22
solve for "a" with substitution...
a + (22) = 46
a = 24
Smaller Number: 22
Bigger Number: 24
a-b = 2
solve one of the equations for a...
a + b = 46
a = b + 2
solve for "b" using substitution...
(b + 2) + b = 46
2b + 2 = 46
2b = 44
b = 22
solve for "a" with substitution...
a + (22) = 46
a = 24
Smaller Number: 22
Bigger Number: 24
Let us condense your question in the form of system of equations,
x + y = 46
x - y = 2
Now, x = 46 - y
Thus,
46-y - y = 2
46 - 2y = 2
-2y = -44
Thus, y = 22.
x + y = 46
x + 22 = 46
Thus, x = 24.
Thus, the greater number is 24 and smaller number is 22.
x + y = 46
x - y = 2
Now, x = 46 - y
Thus,
46-y - y = 2
46 - 2y = 2
-2y = -44
Thus, y = 22.
x + y = 46
x + 22 = 46
Thus, x = 24.
Thus, the greater number is 24 and smaller number is 22.