Asmall learning center holds 24 less students than the larger learning center. together the learning centers hold seventy-two students. how many students does each learning center hold?

S=small
L=Large

72=(L-24)+s
48=L+s
By this point, the “-24” no longer affects the equation. L=s for the purpose of division.
48/2
24=s
Now we know s=24.
The “-24” is now important in finding the value of L. We find the inverse of “-24”, +24.
s+24=48

s= 24 students
L= 48 students