x=27 and y=11
if you let each number equal x and y we know the sum is 38 so x+y=38
and the smaller is 16 less than the larger
. so if we say the smaller number is 7 then x-16=y
these can be solved as a simultaneous equation. x+(x-16)=38
2x-16=38
2x=54
x=27
(27)-16=y
y=11
so the answer is x=27 y=11
