Question 62709
Number 1 = x so the second number will be = 3x-1 (ie 1 less than three times the first).
Difference = Number 2 - Number 1
27 = 3x - 1 - x
27 = 2x - 1 Add 1 to each side of the equation
27 + 1 = 2x - 1 + 1
28 = 2x Divide each side by 2 
14 = x
If the first number is 14 then the second number must be 41.