Given Information:
The sum of four numbers is 48. When 5 and 1 are added to the first two; and 3 & 7 are subtracted from the 3rd & 4th, the numbers will be equal.
Let's solve the problem step by step:
Step 1: Formulate the Equations
Let the four numbers be a, b, c, and d.
According to the given information, we have:
a + b + c + d = 48
(a + 5) + (b + 1) = (c - 3) + (d - 7)
Step 2: Simplify the Equations
From the second equation, we get:
a + b + 6 = c + d - 10
a + b = c + d - 16
Substitute the value of a + b from the second equation into the first equation:
c + d - 16 + c + d = 48
2c + 2d - 16 = 48
2c + 2d = 64
c + d = 32
Step 3: Find the Numbers
Now, we have:
a + b = 32
a + b + 6 = 32
a + b = 26
Let's check the options:
a = 6, b = 10, c = 14, d = 18
6 + 10 + 14 + 18 = 48
(6 + 5) + (10 + 1) = (14 - 3) + (18 - 7)
11 + 11 = 11 + 11
Therefore, the numbers are 6, 10, 14, and 18, which satisfy all the conditions given in the problem.
Thus, the correct answer is option 'C' (6, 10, 14, 18).