Question

One number is two less than three times another. If their sum is decreased by two, the result is four. Find the numbers.

The smaller of the numbers is ___ and the larger is ___

Answer 1

The bigger number is 1 and the smaller number is also 1

Explanation:

One number is 2 less than 3 times another

x + 2 = 3y

If their sum is decreased by 2 the result is 4

(x + 2 + 3y) - 2 = 4

x + 3y = 4

x = 4 - 3y

Substituting value of x, 4 - 3y , in x + 2 = 3y

4 - 3y + 2 = 3y

6 - 3y = 3y

6 = 3y + 3y

6 = 6y

Divide both sides by coefficient of y, 6

y = 1

Substituting value of y, 1 in x + 2 = 3y

x + 2 = 3(1)

x + 2 = 3

x = 3 - 2

x = 1

Answer 2

Answer: The smaller of the numbers is 2 and the larger is 4.

Step-by-step explanation: 2x3-2=4. 2+4-2=4