Question

One number is five less than three times another number. If the sum of the numbers is 3, find the numbers.

Answer 1

First number 2

Second number 1

Explanation:

Let the first number = x

Let the second number = 3x - 5

Equation

x + 3x - 5 = 3

Solution

x + 3x- 5 = 3 Combine

4x - 5 = 3 Add 5 to both sides

4x - 5 + 5 = 3 + 5 Combine

4x = 8 Divide by 4

4x/4 = 8/4 Combine

x = 2

3x -5 = 3(2)- 5 = 1