Verified answer

The English always translates directly into algebra.

"the difference of two numbers is 22"

m - n = 22

"Twice the smaller exceeds the larger by 17"

2n - m = 17

Solve: add the two equations to eliminate m

2n - n = 17 + 22

n = 39

so from the first equation, m = 22 + n = 22 + 39 = 61

To check, twice the smaller is 78, which is 17 more than 61, OK

given this:

x-y=22

2y=x+17

you can solve for y:

x=2y-17

2y-17-y=22

2y-y=39

y=39

then plug in for y:

x-39=22

solve for x:

x=61

Check:

39(2)=78

78-61=17

(twice the smaller is 17 larger)

so ur answers are

61 and 39

your welcome :P