SOLUTION: The larger of two numbers is four less than twice the smaller. Their sum is twenty-three. Find the larger number.

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Question 310397: The larger of two numbers is four less than twice the smaller. Their sum is twenty-three. Find the larger number.
Answer by texttutoring(324) About Me  (Show Source):
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Let x = the larger number
Let y = the smaller number

You have two variables, so you need two equations. Use the given information to set up two equations.
Equation 1: 2y - 4 = x
Equation 2: x+y=23

Take the value of x in Equation 1 and sub it into Equation 2:

x=2y-4 (sub this in, instead of x in Equation 2)

x+y=23
(2y-4) + y = 23
3y - 4 = 23
3y=27
y=9

The smaller number is 9.

To find x, use Equation 2: x= 23-y
x=23-9
x=14

The larger number is 14, the smaller number is 9.