Question 187021
Let {{{a}}}= the smaller
Let {{{b}}}= the larger
given:
(1) {{{b = 3a - 3}}}
(2) {{{a + b = 29}}}
(2) {{{b = 29 - a}}}
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Substitute (2) in (1)
(1) {{{29 - a = 3a - 3}}}
Add {{{a}}} to both sides
(1) {{{29 = 4a - 3}}}
Add {{{3}}} to both sides
(1) {{{4a = 32}}}
Divide both sides by {{{4}}}
(1) {{{a = 8}}}
The smaller number is {{{8}}}
check:
(1) {{{b = 3*8 - 3}}}
(1) {{{b = 21}}}
(2) {{{8 + 21 = 29}}}
(2) {{{29 = 29}}}
OK