Question 482452
n = the smaller number
m = the larger
:
Write an equation for each statement:
:
The sum of two numbers is eighteen.
m + n = 18
:
 Four times the smaller is equal to two times the larger.
4n = 2m
We can simplify, divide both sides by 2
2n = m
replace m with 2n in the 1st equation
2n + n = 18
3n = 18
n = {{{18/3}}}
n = 6
I'll let you figure out what m is, check your solutions in both equations
:
:
The sum of two numbers is eleven.
m + n = 11
:
Five less than three times the smaller is equal to the larger.
3n - 5 = m
In the 1st equation replace m with (3n-5)
3n - 5 + n = 11
3n + n = 11 + 5
4n = 16
n = {{{16/4}}}
n = 4
I'll let you find m, check your solutions in both equations