Problem page the sum of two numbers is 56. the smaller number is 16 less than the larger number. what are the numbers?

Create equations using the given information

1) x+y=56

2) y=x-16

Substitute the value of y into the 1st equation and simplify

1) x+x-16=56

2x=72

x=36

Substitute the value of x into the 1st equation and simplify

1) x+y=56

36+y=56

y=20

Answer: 20 and 36