SOLUTION: Solve a system of equations to find the two numbers described.
The sum of a number and twice a greater number is 8. The sum of the greater number and twice the lesser number
Algebra ->
Customizable Word Problem Solvers
-> Numbers
-> SOLUTION: Solve a system of equations to find the two numbers described.
The sum of a number and twice a greater number is 8. The sum of the greater number and twice the lesser number
Log On
Question 604033: Solve a system of equations to find the two numbers described.
The sum of a number and twice a greater number is 8. The sum of the greater number and twice the lesser number is -6.
I tried x+2y=8 and y+2x=-6. I solved for x and got x= 20/-3. That doesn't seem right to me though. I solved for y and got y= -22/-3 which doesn't seem right either. Answer by solver91311(24713) (Show Source):
If your solution were incorrect, then when you substitute into either of your equations, one or both of the statements would be false.
Which is 8 for as long as I've been doing arithmetic. I'll leave it to you to check the other side.
I know, your diabolical teacher/instructor/professor gave you a problem that came out with a solution that is a pair of fractions that have an ugly odd number in the denominator and are irreducible. Just doesn't seem fair, does it? Welcome to the real world, except things are even uglier out here.
John
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
