Answer:
58
Step-by-step explanation:
Let t and m represent the numbers of cards had by Tom and Max, respectively. Then the problem statement tells us ...
We want to solve for t. If we multiply the first equation by 4 and subtract the second, we get ...
... 4(t +m) -(4m +2) = 4(72) -(t)
... 4t +4m -4m -2 = 288 -t . . . . . . . eliminate parentheses
... 5t = 290 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . add t+2, collect terms
... t = 58 . . . . . . . . divide by the coefficient of t
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Alternate Solution
You can work this in your head if you realize that subtacting 2 from the total means that Max has 1/5 of the new amount. 1/5 of 70 is 14, so Tom has 72 - 14 = 58 cards.
