12 2 SolutionLet the numbers in the boxes in the given picto

Solution

Let the numbers in the boxes in the given pictorial question ( from left to right and from then down and again left to right) be, a, b, c and d. Then we have the following linear equations:

1. a - b = 9

2. a + c = 12

3. b + d = 2

4. c - d = 14.

On adding the 3rd and 4th equations, we get b + d + c - d = 2 + 14 or, b + c = 16. Therefore, c = 16 - b. On substituting this value of c in the 2nd equation, we get a + (16 - b) = 12 or, a - b = 12 -16 = -4. However, as per the 1st equation, we have a - b = 9. Since 9 is not equal to -4 , the system of equations is inconsistent. There is no solution.