Question

The sum of two numbers is 12. When one number is subtracted from three times the other, the result is 4.

Find the numbers.

Answer 1

1 2/3, 10 1/3

Explanation:

x + y = 12

(3x - 1) = 4

let x = 12-y

substitute:

3(12-y) - 1 = 4

36 - 3y - 1 = 4

35 - 3y = 4

-3y = -31

y = 31/3 or 10 1/3

x = 11 3/3 - 10 1/3 which is 1 2/3