The sum of 2 numbers is 44 the smaller number is 16 less than the larger number what are the numbers

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