SOLUTION: The sum of two numbers is 28. One number is 3 times as big as the other. What is the smaller number?

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Question 394667: The sum of two numbers is 28. One number is 3 times as big as the other. What is the smaller number?
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
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Hi

 sum of two numbers is 28

Let x and (28-x) represent the two numbers

question states***

 x = 3(28-x)

solving for x

 x = 84 - 3x

 4x = 84

  x = 21 and 7 (28-21) are the two numbers.  7 the smaller.



CHECKING our Answer***

 21 = 3*7