Question 534125
x - y = 16
so
x = 16+y
or
y = x-16
.
y = 3/5*x
.
y=y
so
x-16 = 3/5*x
.
multiply both sides by 5 to eliminate the fraction
.
5(x-16) = 5(3/5*x)
.
5x -80 = 3x
.
2x = 80
.
x = 40
.
y = 40-16
y = 24
.
Is 24 3/5 of 40?
3*40 = 120
120/5 = 24
Yes, it is.
.
Answer:  The value of the smaller number is 24.
.
Done.