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The quotient of two numbers is 3 and their sum is 8 what are he two numbers

User Nuna
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1 Answer

19 votes
19 votes

Translating Word Equations into Numerical Equations

To change words into equations, we can recognize keywords that translate into operations and/or numbers:

  • quotient = divide
  • a number/the number/two numbers = variables
  • sum = add

Solving the Question

Let the two numbers be a and b.

We're given:

  • quotient of a and b is 3

    (a)/(b)=3
  • sum of a and b is 8

    a+b=8

First, isolate a in the first equation and substitute it in the second equation to solve for b:


(a)/(b)=3\\\\a=3b


a+b=8\\3b+b=8\\4b=8\\b=2

Therefore, one of the numbers is 2. Substitute this into one of our equations to solve for a:


a+b=8\\a+2=8\\a=6

Therefore, the other number is 6.

Answer

The two numbers are 2 and 6.

User Elmex
by
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