let's say the larger number is x. that means that the smaller number is x - 3. since you know their sum is x + x - 3, and that is equal to 14. so you have the equation x + x - 3 = 14. combine like terms (x) to get 2x - 3 = 14. add three to both sides to get 2x = 17. divide both sides by two to get x = 17/2. so the larger number is 17/2, and the larger number is 11/2 (17/2 - 3 = 11/2)