Question

The larger of two numbers is four times the smaller and their sum is 85. Find the two numbers.

Answer 1

Let x be the smallest number, and let y and z be the larger numbers....therefore, we have..

(y + z) = 4x

And

x + (y + z) = 85 substitute for (y + z)

x + 4x = 85

5x = 85 divide by 5 on both sides

x = 17

And (y + z) = 4(17) = 68

Unfortunately, we cannot determine the exact values for y and z....there are infinite possibilities.....!!!

Explanation:

Answer 2

x = 68

y = 17

Explanation:

Let the two numbers be x (larger number) and y (smaller number).

Condition 1:

x = 4y -----------------(1)

Condition 2:

x + y = 85 -----------(2)

Put Eq. (1) in (2)

4y + y = 85

5y = 85

Divide both sides by 5

y = 85/5

y = 17

Put y = 17 in Eq. (1)

x = 4(17)

x = 68

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