9514 1404 393
Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Let s represent the smaller number. Then s+8 is the larger number, and their sum is ...
s + (s+8) = 17
2s = 17 -8 = 9
s = 9/2 = 4.5
s+8 = 4.5 +8 = 12.5
The two numbers are 4.5 and 12.5.
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Comment on problems of this type
A method is shown here for solving the problem using one equation in one variable. The general solution can be seen to be ...
two numbers = (sum ± difference)/2
Here, that is ...
two numbers = (17±8)/2 = (25, 9)/2 = (12.5, 4.5)
