SOLUTION: I need help understanding how to find the equations for this question: The difference of two positive numbers is 264. The larger number is 3 times the smaller number. Find the numb

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Question 990622: I need help understanding how to find the equations for this question: The difference of two positive numbers is 264. The larger number is 3 times the smaller number. Find the numbers.
I think the first equation would be x-y = 264, but I'm not sure if that's right or what the second equation would be.
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, MathTherapy:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39618)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You transcribed the first sentence well; and you are indicating x is greater than y. Next, TRANSCRIBE THE SECOND SENTENCE.

"Find the numbers", means to solve the system of equations for x and y.
Answer by MathTherapy(10552)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

I need help understanding how to find the equations for this question: The difference of two positive numbers is 264. The larger number is 3 times the smaller number. Find the numbers.
I think the first equation would be x-y = 264, but I'm not sure if that's right or what the second equation would be.
Your 1st equation: x - y = 264 is correct, but with that equation you're "saying"  that "x" is the larger number. Do you get this?

Now, moving on to the formation of the 2nd equation, we get: , since it clearly states that the larger number (x, in this case)

is (translated as "=") 3 times the smaller number 3 * y, or 3y

Now you can find the 2 numbers based on the system of equations that was just formed:  

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