Question

One number is equal to two times a second number. Two times the first number plus two times the second number is 24. If you let x stand for the first number and y for the second, what are the two numbers? A. x = –24, y = –12 B. x = 12, y = 6 C. x = 8, y = 4 D. x = 24, y = 12

Answer 1

C, x = 8 and y = 4

Explanation:

Let's isolate y.

x = 2y

Divide both sides by 2.

x/2 = y

Now plug it in to the other equation.

2x + 2(x/2) = 24

Simplify.

2x + x = 24

Simplify.

3x = 24

Divide both sides by 3.

x = 8

Now plug x back into the original equation.

8/2 = y

Simplify.

4 = y

Therefore, the answer is C, x = 8, y = 4.