Answer:
The smaller number is 5
Explanation:
Let the smaller number be x
the other number is (17 -x) (we know they add up to 17)
2/3 of the bigger number is written as 2/3 (17 - x)
The smaller number is 3 less than that. (so subtract 3 to get x)
x= 2/3 (17 -x) - 3 <-- We have an equation, solve for x
Check 2/3 x 12 - 3 = 8 - 3 = 5