Question

A first number plus twice the second number is 8. Twice the first number plus the second totals 19 find the numbers

Answer 1

The numbers are 10 and -2.

Explanation:

This question is solved using a system of equations.

I am going to say that:

The first number is x

The second number is y.

A first number plus twice the second number is 8.

This means that:

`x + 2y = 8`, that is,
`x = 8 - 2y`

Twice the first number plus the second totals 19

So

`2x + y = 19`

Since
`x = 8 - 2y`

`2(8 - 2y) + y = 19`

`16 - 4y + y = 19`

`-3y = 3`

`y = -(3)/(3)`

`y = -1`

`x = 8 - 2y = 8 - 2(-1) = 8 + 2 = 10`

The numbers are 10 and -2.