Question

A number is 11 more than three times another number. Their sum is 2. What is the smallernumber?Use the exact value if a decimal is involved.

Answer 1

`-2`

Step-by-step explanation:

We start by the assignment of variables

Let the larger number be x and the smaller number be y

x is 11 more than three times y

Mathematically, we have this as:

`x\text{ = 11 + 3y}`

The sum of the two numbers is 2 :

`x\text{ + y = 2}`

Substitute equation 1 into 2

Thus, we have it that:

`\begin{gathered} 11\text{ + 3y + y = 2} \\ 11\text{ + 4y = 2} \\ 4y\text{ = 2-11} \\ 4y\text{ = -9} \\ y\text{ = }(-9)/(4) \\ y\text{ = -2.25} \end{gathered}`

Recall, we are to use the exact number since decimals are involved

So, we say the smaller number is -2