Question

The sum of two numbers is 36. One number is 2 times as large as the other. What are the numbers?

Larger number:
Smaller number:

Answer 1

Let the first number be "x", and the 2nd number (which is twice as large as the other), be 2x.

Set the equation

2x + x = 36

Simplify. Combine like terms

(2x + x) = 36

3x = 36

Isolate the x. Divide 3 from both sides

(3x)/3 = (36)/3

x = 36/3

x = 12

The first number is 12

The second number is 2x. Replace x with 12. Multiply.

2x = 2(12) = 24

The second number is 24

Check: 12 + 24 = 36 (True)

Answer: 12 & 24