set up two equations.
s + 12 = l , s + l = 74 (these equations represent the problem)
s + (s + 12) = 74 plug in "l" to the second equation.
2s + 12 = 74 combine like terms.
2s + 12 - 12 = 74 - 12 subtract to isolate the variable
2/2s = 62/2 divide to isolate the variable.
s = 31. This means the smaller number is 31.
31 + 12 = 43. since the larger number is 12 more than the smaller, add 12.
l = 43 the larger number has a value of 43.
small number = 31
larger number = 43
hope this helps! :D
