If a and b are the numbers, a+b=137; and a=b+17.
So a-b=17. Add two equations together: (a+b)+(a-b)=137+17=154 and 2a=154, making a=77.
If a=77 b must be 137-77=60.
The two numbers are 77 and 60.
Let the first number be x and;
The second number be y.
So:
x + y = 137 ... (i)
x - y = 17 ... (ii)
Solving this set of simultaneous equations by elimination:
We add (i) to (ii) to get;
2x + 0 = 154
2x = 154 , x = 154/2 = 77
y = 77 - 17 = 60
So the first number is 77
And the second number is 60.
