Two numbers are added together and their sum is 44. when subtracted, their difference is 6. what is the smaller number?
11
14
19
23
you : )

Okay! to do this, you've got to create some equations based on the info given. 

First determine your variables. 
let x represent the larger number 
let y represent the smaller number 

equation #1 ) x+y= 44 
equation #2) x-y= 6 

Now, we can't solve a question with 2 variables, so you gotta substitute one equation into the other. Since we're solving for y, we should reverse one of the formulas in terms of y 

x= 44 - y 

now sub that into the other equation 

(44-y) - y = 6 
-2y + 44= 6 
-2y= -44 + 6 
-2y= -38 
y= +19 

What exactly is your question?