The sum of two numbers is 45. the difference between the numbers is 37. what is the value of the smallest number?

Sum and difference problem


We are given both the sum and difference of two unknown numbers.

S=sum of the two numbers=45,  and
D=difference of the two numbers (larger minus the smaller) = 37
Then
larger number = (S+D)/2 = (45+37)/2 = 41
smaller number= (S-D)/2 = (45-37)/2 =   4

The answer is “faster”.