SOLUTION: the sum of two numbers is 73. five times the smaller number exceeds the larger number by 149. find the numbers.

Question 545112: the sum of two numbers is 73. five times the smaller number exceeds the larger number by 149. find the numbers.
Answer by oberobic(2304) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x + y = 73
so
x = 73 - y
.
5*x = y + 149
.
Substitute.
.
5(73-y) = y + 149
365 -5y = y + 149
216 = 6y
y = 216/6
y = 36
.
x = 73 - y
x = 73 - 36
x = 37
.
Check the answer.
5*x = 185
185 = 36 + 149
Correct.
.
However, x is not "the smaller number." In setting up the algebraic solution, there is no means to determine which is "smaller" or "larger" until the solution is found.
.
Done.
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