Let the smaller number be x
74 = x +
The larger number is 12 more than x, therefore, it is equal to x + 12
74 = x + x + 12
Add like terms.
74 = 2x + 12
Subtract 12 from both sides to eliminate it. (Property of equality)
74 - 12 = 2x + 12 - 12
62 = 2x
Divide 2 on both sides to isolate x.
62 / 2 = 2x / 2
31 = x
Therefore the two numbers would be
31 and 31 + 12
31 and 43.
♧
