SOLUTION: A number is 2 less than twice another number. If their sum is 61, find both numbers. HOW DO I WRITE THIS AS AN EQUATION AND SOLVE

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Question 108816: A number is 2 less than twice another number. If their sum is 61, find both numbers. HOW DO I WRITE THIS AS AN EQUATION AND SOLVE
Answer by doukungfoo(195) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Lets call the second number x
so we have:
second number = x
Now we are told the first number is 2 less than twice the second number
so we have:
first number = 2x - 2
Next we know that that the sum of these two numbers is 61
So:
first number plus second number equals 61
(2x-2) + x = 61
Now we have an equation that we can use to solve for x
Lets do it.
(2x-2) + x = 61
2x - 2 + x = 61
fist combine like terms
3x - 2 = 61
next move 2 to right side of the equation by adding 2 to both sides
3x - 2 + 2 = 61 + 2
2's on the left cancel leaving this
3x = 61 + 2
3x = 63
solve for x by dividing 3 into both sides
3x/3 = 63/3
x = 21
Answer: second number is 21
use this to find the first number
first number = 2x - 2
first number = 2(21) - 2
first number = 42 - 2
first number = 40
Answer: first number is 40
Check answers "the sum of the numbers equals 61"
40 + 21 = 61
61 = 61