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The sum of two numbers is 14. the larger number minus three times the lesser number -2. what is the lesser number?

User Joey Chong
by
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2 Answers

1 vote

Answer:

The lesser number is y=4

Explanation:

Given : The sum of two numbers is 14. the larger number minus three times the lesser number -2.

To find : What is the lesser number?

Solution :

Let the two numbers be x and y,

The sum of two numbers is 14

i.e.
x+y=14 ....(1)

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

So, the larger number minus three times the lesser number -2

i.e.
x-3y=-2 ...(2)

Solving equation (1) and (2)

Substitute x from (1) into (2)


x-3y=-2


(14-y)-3y=-2


-y-3y=-2-14


-4y=-16


y=4

Put in equation (1)


x+y=14


x+4=14


x=10

Therefore, The lesser number is y=4 and larger number is x=10.

User Jeff Doolittle
by
8.0k points
5 votes
Let's take the 2 numbers are a and b.
a + b =14

if a > b
a - 3b = -2

Subtract both numbers
4b = 16
b = 4

lesser number is 4.
User Deepak Yadav
by
8.0k points

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