Question

Wice a number added to a smaller number is 5. The difference of 5 times the smaller number and the larger number is 3. Let x represent the smaller number and y represent the larger number. Which equations represent the situation?

2 y + x = 5. 5 x minus y = 3.
2 x + y = 5. 5 y minus x = 3.
2 y + x = 5. y minus 5 x = 3.
2 x + y = 5. x minus 5 y = 3.

Answer 1

2 y + x = 5 , 5 x − y = 3

Explanation:

suppose x represents the smaller number and y represent the larger number.

Then

• The statement: “Twice a number added to a smaller number is 5”

means 2 y + x = 5

On the other hand,

•• The statement: “The difference of 5 times the smaller number and the larger number is 3”

means 5 x − y = 3