Question

A first number plus twice a second number is 4. Twice the first number plus the second totals 17. Find the numbers

Answer 1

10; -3

Explanation:

Let's represent the first number with x, and the second number with y. Now let's write these two equations to find the numbers.

x + 2y = 4

2x + y = 17

We can solve using the substitution method:

x = 4 - 2y

2x + y = 17

2 (4 - 2y) + y = 17

8 - 4y + y = 17

-3y = 9

y = -3

Now plug the value of y in to find x:

x + 2y = 4

x + 2(-3) = 4

x + -6 = 4

x = 10

So, the first number is 10, and the second number is -3.

Cheers.