SOLUTION: the smaller of two numbers is 3 less than the greater. if the greater is decreased by twice the smaller, the result is -5. find the two numbers.

Question 609316: the smaller of two numbers is 3 less than the greater. if the greater is decreased by twice the smaller, the result is -5. find the two numbers.
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the smaller of two numbers is 3 less than the greater. if the greater is decreased by twice the smaller, the result is -5. find the two numbers.
-------------------
Equations:
s = g - 3
g - 2s = -5
------
Substitute for "s" and solve for "g":
g - 2(g-3) = -5
g -2g+6 = -5
-g = -11
greater number = 11
---------
Solve for "s":
s = g -3
smaller number = 11-3 = 8
===============================
Cheers,
Stan H.
======================
RELATED QUESTIONS
the smaller of two numbers is 3 less than the greater. If the greater is decreased by... (answered by MathLover1,MathTherapy)

The greater of two numbers is 3 more than twice the smaller. if the smaller is increased (answered by stanbon)

The smaller two numbers is 3 less than the greater. If the greater is deceased by twice... (answered by jorel555)

The greater of two numbers is 10 less than 3 times the smaller. If the greater is... (answered by stanbon)

The second of three numbers is 3 times the first. The third is 5 more than the second. If (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)

the greater of two numbers is 9 more than the smaller if the smaller is added to twice... (answered by mananth)

the smaller of two numbers is 5 less than the greater. if the smaller is increased by 4... (answered by stanbon)

The greater of two numbers is 1 less 3 times the smaller. If 3 times the greater is 5... (answered by scott8148)

The larger of two numbers is 4 less than 3 times the smaller number. If 3 more than... (answered by dabanfield)