Question 393991
Let x be one # (the smaller one)
Let y be another # (the larger one)

x + y = 21
2x = y + 3

The first equation is fine, line up the second one

2x - y = 3
x  + y = 21

the Y's cancel , now add them up

3x = 24

divide both sides by 3 and

x = 8 

Now to get Y just plug it in to one of the original equations

8 + y = 21
y = 13 




The two numbers are 8, 13