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The sum of two numbers is 77. The greater number is 5 more than the smaller number. Which equation can be used to solve for the smaller number?

A. [tex] x(x-5) = 77 [/tex]
B. [tex] x(x+5) = 77 [/tex]
C. [tex] x - (x+5) = 77 [/tex]
D. [tex] x + (x+5) = 77 [/tex]


Sagot :

To solve the problem, we need to set up an equation based on the given information.

1. Identify Variables:
- Let the smaller number be [tex]\( x \)[/tex].

2. Express the Greater Number in Terms of the Smaller Number:
- The greater number is 5 more than the smaller number, so it can be written as [tex]\( x + 5 \)[/tex].

3. Set Up the Equation:
- We know that the sum of the two numbers is 77. Therefore, we can write:
[tex]\[ x + (x + 5) = 77 \][/tex]

This equation best represents the relationship and conditions described in the problem. Therefore, the correct equation to use for solving the smaller number is:

[tex]\[ x + (x + 5) = 77 \][/tex]