Problem page the sum of two numbers is 56 . the smaller number is 16 less than the larger number. what are the numbers?

Create equations using the given information
1) x+y=56
2) y=x-16
Substitute the value of y into the 1st equation and simplify
1)x+x-16=56
   2x=72
   x=36
Substitute the value of x into the 1st equation and simplify
1)x+y=56
   36+y=56
   y=20

20 and 36