One number is 4 less than 3 times another. Their sum is 16. Find the smaller.
- x (one number) = 3y - 4
- y (another number)
y + (3y - 4) = 16
4y - 4 = 16
4y = 20
y = 5
- Plug 5 for y into the equation for x.
x = 3(5) - 4 = 11
- The smaller number is y = 5.
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Two consecutive odd numbers total 32. Find the smaller.
Consecutive odd numbers are always 2 numbers apart.
- odd number #1 = x
- odd number #2 = x + 2
(x) + (x + 2) = 32
2x + 2 = 32
- Subtract 2 from both sides.
2x = 30
x = 15
- The smaller number will be 15, since the other number is (15) + 2 = 17.