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The sum of two numbers is 27. Twice the smaller number plus 3 times the larger number is 70. Find the numbers.

I’m stuck on this please help :(

User Gravitron
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1 Answer

21 votes
21 votes

Answer:

The smaller number is 11 and the larger number is 16.

Explanation:

Let x = smaller number and y = larger number. The sum of these numbers is 27, so we can make the equation x + y = 27. Twice the smaller number (2x) plus three times the larger number (3y) is 70, so we can also make the equation 2x + 3y = 70.

Now, let's take a look at that first equation, x + y = 27. Let's isolate y on one side, giving us y = -x + 27. Now, we can replace y in the second equation with that value, which will allow us to solve for x.

2x + 3y = 70

2x + 3(-x + 27) = 70

2x - 3x + 81 = 70

-x + 81 = 70

-x = -11

x = 11

So, the smaller number is 11. Again, our original equation is x + y = 27. We can now replace x with 11.

11 + y = 27

y = 16

The larger number is 16. If you have any questions or found that really confusing, let me know and I'll try to clarify for you. :)

User Kobusb
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