Question

The sum of two numbers is 15. One less than three times the smaller is equal to the larger. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

The numbers are:

4 and 11

Explanation:

a + b = 15 Eq. 1

3a - 1 = b Eq. 2

Replacing Eq. 2 in Eq, 1

a + (3a - 1) = 15

a + 3a = 15 + 1

4a = 16

a = 16/4

a = 4

From Eq. 1:

a + b = 15

4 + b = 15

b = 15 - 4

b = 11

Check:

From Eq. 2:

3a - 1 = b

3*4 - 1 = 11

12 - 1 = 11