Question

One number is 5 less than a second number. Twice the second number is 2 less than 5 times the first. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

Explanation:

one number = x

second number = y

x = y - 5

2y = 5x - 2

we simply have 2 equations with 2 variables.

to solve we use the first identity and use it in the second equation :

2y = 5(y - 5) - 2 = 5y - 25 - 2 = 5y - 27

27 = 3y

y = 27/3 = 9

x = y - 5 = 9 - 5 = 4

the numbers are 4 and 9.