Question

the sum of 3 numbers is 13. the second number is 3 subtracted from 3 times the first. the third number is 4 times the first. what is the number

Answer 1

The value of the first number, x, is 2.

The value of the second number, y, is 3.

The value of the third number, z, is 8.

x + y + z = 13

y = 3x - 3

z = 4x

Because we have values for y and z, we can plug them into the original equation to find the value of x.

x + 3x - 3 + 4x = 13

Combine like terms.

8x - 3 = 13

Add 3 to both sides.

8x = 16

Divide both sides by 8.

x = 2

The value of x is 2.

Because we have the exact value of x, we can insert this into each x value to find the values of y and z.

y = 3(2) - 3

y = 3

z = 4(2)

z = 8

2 + 3 + 8 = 13