Question

The larger of two numbers is 10 less than twice the smaller number. If the sum of the two

numbers is 38, find the two numbers.

Answer 1

Let the larger number = y and the smaller number = x.

The largest number is 10 less than twice the smaller number. Remember that less than means subtract the 10 from the other amount while twice means multiply by two. Therefore,

y = 2x - 10

The sum of the two numbers is 38. Remember sum means add the two numbers to get their result. Therefore,

x + y = 38

Since y = 2x - 10, we rewrite the lower equation as:

x + (2x - 10) = 38

Solving:

3x - 10 = 38

3x = 48

x = 16

The lesser number is 16 and the greater number is 2(16) - 10 or 22.