Question

The greater of two numbers is 3 times the smaller.
Their sum is 44. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

smaller number is 11

bigger number is 33.

Explanation:

Lets make the smaller number be a, the bigger number 3a since its 3 times a's value

the sum of a and 3a is 44

so we write

a+3a = 44

combine like terms

a+3a = 4a

4a = 44

divide both sides by 4

a = 11.

Now we know the smaller number is equal to 11, but we are not done just yet.

We have to find the value of the bigger number by plugging in 11 into our equation

11+3*11 = 44

11 + 33 = 44

which means the bigger number is 33

Answer 2

11 and 33

Explanation:

The greater of two numbers is 3 times the smaller.

Let the numbers be

n and 3n

sum is 44

n + 3n = 44

4n = 44

Divide both sides by 4

n = 11

3n = 3 * 11

3n = 33