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One positive number is one-fifth of another number. the difference of the two numbers is 84. find the numbers.

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Answer: The numbers are: " 21 " and " 105 " .
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Step-by-step explanation:
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Let "x" be the "one positive number:

Let "y" be the "[an]othyer number".

x = 1/5 (y)
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Given that the difference of the two number is "84" ; and that "x" is (1/5) of "y" ; we determine that "x" is smaller than "y".

So, y − x = 84 .

Add "x" to each side of this equation; to solve for "y" in terms of "x" ;

y − x + x = 84 + x ;

y = 84 + x ;
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So, we have:

x = (1/5) y ;

and: y = 84 + x ;

Substitute "(1/5)y" for "x" ; in "y = 84 + x " ; to solve for "y" ;

y = 84 + [ (1/5)y ]

Subtract " [ (1/5)y ] " from EACH SIDE of the equation ;

y − [ (1/5)y ] = 84 + [ (1/5)y ] − [ (1/5)y ] ;

to get:

[ (4/5)y ] = 84 ;


(4y) / 5 = 84 ;

4y = 5 * 84 ;

Divide EACH SIDE of the equation by "4" ;
to isolate "y" on one side of the equation; and to solve for "y" ;

4y / 4 = (5 * 84) / 4 ;

y = 5 * (84/4) = 5 * 21 = 105 .

y = 105 .
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Now, plug "105" for "y" into:
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Either:
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x = (1/5) y ;

OR:

y = 84 + x ;
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to solve for "x" ;
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Let us do so in BOTH equations; to see if we get the same value for "x" ; which is a method to "double check" our answer ;
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Start with:

x = (1/5)y

→ (1/5)*(105) = 105 / 5 = 21 ; x = 21 ;

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So, x = 21; y = 105 .
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Now, let us see if this values hold true in the other equation:
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y = 84 + x ;

105 = ? 84 + 21 ?

105 = ? 105 ? Yes!
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The numbers are: " 21 " and "105 " .
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User Awais Umar
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