SOLUTION: one number is 5 more than 3 times another number,the sum of two numbers is 157.find the bigger number

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Numbers -> SOLUTION: one number is 5 more than 3 times another number,the sum of two numbers is 157.find the bigger number       Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 403257: one number is 5 more than 3 times another number,the sum of two numbers is 157.find the bigger number
Answer by rvquartz(19) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let x = that "one number" described first
let y = that "another number" described second
from the problem statement we know two things
(a) x + y = 157
(b) x = 3y + 5
use (a) to substitute describe y in terms of x: y = (157 - x)
use (b) substituting for y: x = 3(157 - x) + 5
solving for x: x = 471 - 3x + 5
this is the same as
4x = 476
so x = 476/4
so x = 119
since y = 157 - x = 157 - 119
y = 38

the bigger number is 119