Answer:
18
Step-by-step explanation:
Let x be the smaller number. The larger number would be...
x+7 as the question states their difference is 7.
We can use this to set up an equation:
x+x+7=43
Combine like terms
2x+7=43
Subtract 7 from both sides
2x=36
Divide both sides by 2
x=18
The smaller number is 18
