SOLUTION: One third of a number added to five thirds of a second number equals to four. Four times the number plus five times the second number is equal to three. Find the smaller number.
Question 996275: One third of a number added to five thirds of a second number equals to four. Four times the number plus five times the second number is equal to three. Find the smaller number. Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! One third of a number added to five thirds of a second number equals to four. a + b = 4
multiply equation by 3, cancel the denominators
a + 5b = 3(4)
a + 5b = 12
Four times the number plus five times the second number is equal to three.
4a + 5b = 3
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Use elimination here
4a + 5b = 3
a + 5b = 12
--------------Subtraction eliminates b, find a
3a = -9
a = -9/3
a = -3
Find a using the eq a + 5b = 12
-3 + 5b = 12
5b = 12 + 3
5b = 15
b = 15/5
b = 3
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Find the smaller number.
The smaller number is a; -3
:
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Confirm these solutions in the 1st original equation (-3) + (3) = 4
-1 + 5 = 4
