Question

the sum of two numbers is 47, and their difference is 15. What is the larger number?

Answer 1

I think the answer is 32 because 47-15=32

Answer 2

Let the two numbers be x and y.

x + y =  47
+
x - y =  15
__________
2x  + 0y = 62                        Adding both equations.
___________


2x = 62
x = 62/2
x = 31.             

x is definitely the larger of the two numbers because x - y = 15

The larger number is 31.