You just have an extra variable.
x = the smaller number
x + 12 = the larger number
Now, write the equation according to the sentence "the sum of the..." and solve.
One number is 12 more than another. The sum of the smaller number and twice the larger number is 39. Find the larger number.
This is what I have so far:
x+y+12=39
3 answers
This is how I worked it:
n+12=m
n=m+12
m=5
m=17
n+12=m
n=m+12
m=5
m=17
I don't see how you got the answer from that, unless you guessed and checked. Your answers are correct by plugging them into the sentence.
I would have written this equation and then solved:
x + 2(x+12) = 39
I would have written this equation and then solved:
x + 2(x+12) = 39