a = smaller number
b = larger number
a = b - 18
a + b = 58
b - 18 + b = 58
2 b - 18 = 58 Add 18 to both sides
2 b - 18 + 18 = 58 + 18
2 b = 76 Divide both sides by 2
2 b / 2 = 76 / 2
b = 38
a = b - 18
a = 38 - 18 = 20
smaller number = 20
larger number = 38
the sum of two numbers is 58. the smaller number is 18 less then the larger number what are the numbers?
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