SOLUTION: the second number is 3 less than twice the first number. Their sum is 57. Find the second number.

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: the second number is 3 less than twice the first number. Their sum is 57. Find the second number.      Log On


   

Question 223257: the second number is 3 less than twice the first number. Their sum is 57. Find the second number.
Answer by drj(1380) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The second number is 3 less than twice the first number. Their sum is 57. Find the second number.

Step 1. Let n be the first number.

Step 2. Let 2n-3 be the second number

Step 3. Then n+2n-3=57 since the sum of the two numbers is 57.

Step 4. Solving the equation in Step 3

3n-3=57

Add 3 to both sides of the equation

3n-3%2B3=57%2B3

3n=60

Divide 3 to both sides of the equation

3n%2F3=60%2F3

n=20 and 2n-3=40-3=37. Note the sum is 57.

Step 5. ANSWER: The second number is 37.

I hope the above steps were helpful.

For FREE Step-By-Step videos in Introduction to Algebra, please visit http://www.FreedomUniversity.TV/courses/IntroAlgebra and for Trigonometry visit http://www.FreedomUniversity.TV/courses/Trigonometry.

Good luck in your studies!

Respectfully,
Dr J