SOLUTION: one integer is 3 less than 3 times another integer. if the sum of the two integers is 29, what is the smaller integer?

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Question 187021: one integer is 3 less than 3 times another integer. if the sum of the two integers is 29, what is the smaller integer?
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let a= the smaller
Let b= the larger
given:
(1) b+=+3a+-+3
(2) a+%2B+b+=+29
(2) b+=+29+-+a
-------------------------
Substitute (2) in (1)
(1) 29+-+a+=+3a+-+3
Add a to both sides
(1) 29+=+4a+-+3
Add 3 to both sides
(1) 4a+=+32
Divide both sides by 4
(1) a+=+8
The smaller number is 8
check:
(1) b+=+3%2A8+-+3
(1) b+=+21
(2) 8+%2B+21+=+29
(2) 29+=+29
OK