SOLUTION: The sum of two numbers is ten. Three times the larger number is three less than eight times the smaller number. Find the smaller number

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Numbers -> SOLUTION: The sum of two numbers is ten. Three times the larger number is three less than eight times the smaller number. Find the smaller number      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 790356: The sum of two numbers is ten. Three times the larger number is three less than eight times the smaller number. Find the smaller number
Answer by josgarithmetic(39630) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
m and n, the numbers.
m+n=10.

Let m 3n=-3+8m.

Solve the simultaneous equations, m+n=10 and 3n=8m-3. Since you were asked for the smaller number, which is m, first solve for n using either equation and substitute the expression into the other equation; and THEN solve for m.