Question

Use the three steps to solve the problem.

One number is five more than another and their sum is three less than three times the smaller. Find the numbers.
List your answers in numerical order, separated by a comma.

Answer 1

The answers in numerical order are 4, 9.

Explanation:

i)Let the two required numbers be x, y .

ii) It is given that x = y + 5

iii) it is also given that x + y = 3y - 3.

iv) substituting the value of x from ii) in equation iii) we get

(y + 5) + y = 3y - 3 ⇒ 2y = 8 ∴ y = 4

v) Substituting the value of y from equation iv) in equation ii) we get

x = 4 + 5 = 9

vi) The answers in numerical order are 4, 9.