SOLUTION: If the larger of two numbers is 3 more than 3 times the smaller. If the smaller number is subtracted from the larger and the result is 15, what are the two numbers ? I am having t

Question 629384: If the larger of two numbers is 3 more than 3 times the smaller. If the smaller number is subtracted from the larger and the result is 15, what are the two numbers ?
I am having the hardest time with these word problems no matter what I do I get the wrong answer, Please help me ?
Answer by josmiceli(19441) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The 1st thing to do is define the unknowns
Let = the larger of the 2 numbers
Let = the smaller of the 2 numbers
given:
(1)
( The larger of two numbers is 3 more than 3 times the smaller. )
(2)
( If the smaller number is subtracted from the larger, the result is 15. )
---------------
There are 2 equations and 2 unknowns, so
the problem is solvable.
Substitute (1) into (2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
and, since
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
The numbers are 21 and 6
--------------------
check:
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
and
(2)
(2)
(2)
(20
OK
RELATED QUESTIONS
The larger of two integers is 3 more than 5 times the smaller integer. Find the two... (answered by josmiceli)

The larger of two numbers is 1 more than 3 times the smaller. If the smaller is... (answered by Cromlix,MathTherapy)

A larger number is 7 more than 3 times a smaller number. if the smaller number is... (answered by ReadingBoosters)

The larger of two numbers is 5 more than twice the smaller. If the smaller is subtracted... (answered by JulietG)

The sum of two numbers is 88. If four times the smaller number is subtracted from the... (answered by phojhe001)

the sum of two numbers is 67. If three times the smaller number is subtracted from the... (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)

the sum of two numbers is 71. if three times the smaller number is subtracted from the... (answered by stanbon,addingup,MathTherapy)

When a smaller number is subtracted from a larger number the difference is 34. If the... (answered by ikdeep)

when a smaller number is subtracted from a larger number, the difference is 34. if the... (answered by ptaylor)