SOLUTION: one number is three times another number. if the sum is 52 what are the numbers? i have tried 15 times 3=45 +7= 52 but it doesn't seem to be correct what am i doing wrong?

Question 481576: one number is three times another number. if the sum is 52 what are the numbers? i have tried 15 times 3=45 +7= 52 but it doesn't seem to be correct what am i doing wrong?

Answer by Earlsdon(6294) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Try this:
Let the two numbers be a and b, then:
a+b = 52 and
a = 3b Substitute this for a in the first equation.
3b+b = 52 Simplify.
4b = 52 Divide both sides by 4.
b = 13 and
a = 3(13)
a = 39
Check:
13+39 = 52.

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