SOLUTION: The difference between 2 numbers, a and b, is 24. When 4 is added to both a and b, the larger of these new numbers is 5 times the smaller of these new numbers. What is the value

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Question 330465: The difference between 2 numbers, a and b, is 24.
When 4 is added to both a and b, the larger of these new numbers is 5 times the smaller of these new numbers.
What is the value of the smaller of the 2 numbers, a and b?
P.S. I know the answer is 2, but I don't know how to show the equation, as I'm confused with a and b!!! Thank you
Answer by mananth(16949) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let smaller number be b
bigger number be a
a-b=24...............1
..
a+4 = 5(b+4)
a+4=5b+20
a-5b=20-4
a-5b=16...............2
subtract equation 2 from 1
a-b-a+5b=24-16
4b=8
b=2 the smaller number