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One number is 4 more than another. if 3 times the smaller number is equal to twice the larger number, then what is the smaller number??

User Natalya
by
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2 Answers

6 votes
x= smaller number
x+4= larger number


SMALLER NUMBER
3x= 2(x + 4)
multiply 2 by parentheses

3x= (2 * x) + (2 * 4)

3x= 2x + 8
subtract 2x from both sides

x= 8 smaller number


LARGER NUMBER
= x + 4
= 8 + 4
= 12 larger number


CHECK
3x= 2(x + 4)
3(8)= 2(8 + 4)
24= 2(12)
24= 24


ANSWER: The smaller number is 8

Hope this helps! :)
User Thepunitsingh
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6.5k points
2 votes

Answer: Smallest number = 8

Step-by-step explanation: To solve this problem, let's take a look at the first sentence. The first sentence states that "One number is 4 more than another." We can set up our variables by using that sentence.

X ⇒ smaller

X + 4 ⇒ larger

Next, we can set up an equation by reading our second sentence.

3x = 2 (x + 4)

3x = 2x + 8

-2x -2x ← subtract 2x on both sides

X = 8

X + 4 = 12

Therefore, our smallest number is 8.

User Megalomono
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7.6k points