The sum of two numbers is 44. the smaller number is 20 less than the larger number. what are the numbers?

Sum means add

x and y are the numbers

sum i 44

x+y=44

smaller s 20 les than larger

x=20+y

or

y=20+x

doesn't matter, just pick one

x=20+y

substue 20+y for x since they are equal

x+y=44

(20+y) + y=44

20+y+y=44

20+2y=44

subtract 20 from both sides

2y=24

divide by 2

y=12

subsitue

x=20+y

x=20+12

x=32

the numbers are 12 and 32

X + (x-20) = 44

2x = 64

x=32

Therefore the bigger number is 32 and the smaller number is 12

32+12=44