<PRE><B>Question 995366</B>
let x be the larger number and y be the smaller number, then
x = 3y -1
2y +x = x + 18
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use second equation
subtract x from both sides of =
2y = 18
y = 9
substitute for y in first equation
x = 3*9 -1
x = 26
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the two numbers are 26 and 9
check using second equation
(2*9) +26 = 26 + 18
18 = 18
answer checks
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