Find Two Numbers -- Have Two Equations and Two Unknowns

Thread starter nycmathguy
Start date Jun 14, 2021
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Numbers Unknowns

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The problem involves finding two numbers that add up to 72, with one number being twice the other. The equations formed are x + y = 72 and x = 2y. After solving the system, the numbers are determined to be 24 and 48. Participants discuss the importance of solving such problems independently before seeking confirmation, emphasizing that forming the equations is a significant part of the process. The conversation highlights the need for practice and understanding in mathematics to build confidence in solving word problems.

Jun 16, 2021

symbolipoint

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Delta2 said:

I can't disagree with this but usually to understand the insights (which are generalized insights if i can call them that way, they refer to a generic version of the problem) we have to work through specific instances, examples of the problem , usually one (at least a novice-newcomer) doesn't understand the generalized version unless he works with specific examples first.

Regardless of newcomer, almost-newcomer, or whatmore, students will often enough find the SAME exercise but as different examples, using differing values and maybe too diverse situations --but all of the examples being the SAME general form. That is why studying and applying algebra that way is so useful.