Question

The sum of two numbers is 55. If twice the greater number minus 3 times the smaller leaves 5. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

Let X equal the larger number, and y equal the smaller number:

X + Y = 52

X - 2Y = 10

Solve for one variable in one equation in order to substitute it in the second equation and solve for the 2nd variable.

X = 52- Y

Now substitute X with 52-y in the 2nd equation and solve for y.
(52 - y) - 2y = 10
52 - 3y = 10
-3y = -42
y = 14

Now solve for X.

x + 14 = 52
x= 38

Check your answer

38 - 2(14) = 10
38-28= 10
10=10