Question

The sum of two numbers is 72. The greater number is 8 more than the smaller number. Which equation can be used to solve for the smaller number? x − (x + 8) = 72 x + (x + 8) = 72 x(x + 8) = 72 x(x − 8) = 72

Answer 1

let x is the smaller number
bigger number is x + 8

The sum of two numbers is 72
so
 x + (x+8) = 72

answer
x + (x + 8) = 72

Answer 2

x + y = 72
y = x + 8......y is the greater number

x + (x + 8) = 72 <==