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There are two numbers which sum to 16. If one number is eight less than three times the other, find the numbers.

1 Answer

3 votes

Answer:

The two numbers are 10 and 6.

Explanation:

Let the two numbers be a and b respectively.

Translating the word problem into an algebraic equation, we have;

a + b = 16 .........equation 1

a = 3b - 8 .......equation 2

Substituting eqn 1 into eqn 2, we have

3b - 8 + b = 16

4b = 16 + 8

4b = 24

b = 24/4

b = 6

To find the value of a;

a = 3b - 8

a = 3(6) - 8

a = 18 - 8

a = 10

Therefore, the two numbers are 10 and 6.

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