SOLUTION: The difference of two numbers is 18. Doubling the greater number gives the same result as the product of 5 and the smaller number. What's the larger number?
The options are
a)12
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Question 615551: The difference of two numbers is 18. Doubling the greater number gives the same result as the product of 5 and the smaller number. What's the larger number?
The options are
a)12
b)30
c)60
d)24
I originally thought the answer was 12 but I was wrong :(
I started with "the difference of two numbers is 18
________ - __________ = 18
The rest is where I get confused. Here is what I have attempted
x=smaller number
y=greater number
Doubling the greater number (2y)
gives the same result( = )
as the product (multiply) of 5 and the smaller number 5x=2y
but that doesn't really help me so it must not be right.
I would really like to understand the problem and what I am doing right and where I started going wrong so I can walk myself through these questions in the future.
Your guidance is appreciated.
Katie
Found 2 solutions by scott8148, MathTherapy:
Answer by scott8148(6628) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
you're on the right track
y - x = 18 ___ y = 18 + x
5x = 2y
substituting the equivalent value of y ___ 5x = 2(18 + x) ___ 5x = 36 + 2x
so you actually found the smaller number the 1st time
just substitute back to find y
Answer by MathTherapy(10556) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You're on the right track, but you failed to create the first equation from the first statement (The difference of two numbers is 18).
Let the larger and smaller numbers be L, and S, respectively
1st equation
Therefore, L - S = 18 ----- L - 18 = S ------ eq (i)
2nd equation
2L = 5S ------ eq (ii)
2L = 5(L - 18) ------- Substituting L - 18 for S in eq (ii)
2L = 5L - 90
2L - 5L = - 90
- 3L = - 90
L, or larger number = , or , or (CHOICE B)
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