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One number is 7 less than 3 times the second number. Their sum is 29. Find the numbers.

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

The numbers are 20 and 9

Explanation:

Let the first number be x

Let the second number be y

For the first equation

One number is 7 less than 3 times the second number is written as

x = 3y - 7

For the second equation

The sum of the two numbers is 29

So we have

x + y = 29

Substitute the first equation into the second one

That's

3y - 7 + y = 29

4y = 29 + 7

4y = 36

Divide both sides by 4

y = 9

Substitute y = 9 into x = 3y - 7

That's

x = 3(9) - 7

x = 27 - 7

x = 20

The numbers are 20 and 9

Hope this helps you

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