Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 315
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Problems involving sum and difference can be solved using the identities for two numbers: sum S = x + y and difference D = |x − y|, then numbers are (S ± D)/2.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Let larger = (S + D)/2 and smaller = (S − D)/2. Compute both and choose the smaller.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Average = 350; one-fifth = 70; difference between 385 and 315 is indeed 70, satisfying the condition.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Other values do not maintain both the fixed sum of 700 and the required difference of 70 simultaneously.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “one-fifth of the average” with “one-fifth of the sum” or misplacing which number is larger vs smaller is common; always compute both explicitly.
Final Answer:
315
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