Answer:
Let's assume the first number is represented by the variable 'x'.
According to the given information, the second number is 4 less than three times the first number. In other words, the second number can be represented as 3x - 4.
The sum of the two numbers is 44, so we can set up the equation:
x + (3x - 4) = 44
Now, we can solve this equation to find the value of 'x':
4x - 4 = 44
Adding 4 to both sides of the equation:
4x = 48
Dividing both sides by 4:
x = 12
So the first number is 12.
To find the second number, we can substitute the value of x back into the equation:
3x - 4 = 3(12) - 4 = 36 - 4 = 32
Therefore, the second number is 32.
Explanation: