SOLUTION: the smaller of two numbers is 3 less than the larger. twice the larger plus 4 times the smaller is 36. find the numbers.

Question 243383: the smaller of two numbers is 3 less than the larger. twice the larger plus 4 times the smaller is 36. find the numbers.
Answer by oberobic(2304) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Always read and understand the question to make sure you set up the variables and equations. Also, be sure to use the minimum number of unknowns, which usually means defining one variable in terms of another.
.
Here we have two numbers. Let's call them x & y. But we are told that the smaller number is 3 less than the larger number. So it better to define them as:
x = larger number
x -3 = smaller number
.
We also are told 2*x + 4*(x-3) = 36.
.
Solving this equation, we have:
2x + 4x - 12 = 36
Add 12 to both sides and combine like terms.
6x = 48
Divide both sides by 6
x = 8
.
Going back to the setup, we know the other number = x -3 = 8 -3 = 5.
.
So the two numbers are 8 & 5.
RELATED QUESTIONS
The smaller of two numbers is 3 less that the larger. Twice the larger plus 4 times the... (answered by sowmya)

the smaller of 2 numbers is three less than the larger. twice the larger plus four times (answered by scott8148)

Five time the larger of two numbers. plus four times the smaller is 271. Three times the... (answered by MathLover1)

The larger of two numbers is 6 times the smaller. If 5 less than the larger number... (answered by nyc_function)

the smaller of two number is 3 less than the larger. Four times the smaller is equal to... (answered by mananth)

the sum of two numbers is 22. The larger is 3 less than 4 times the smaller . Find the... (answered by ikleyn)

the larger of two numbers is 4 less than twice the smaller. three times the largerexceeds (answered by robertb)

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

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