Question 996275
 One third of a number added to five thirds of a second number equals to four. 
{{{1/3}}}a + {{{5/3}}}b = 4
multiply equation by 3, cancel the denominators
a + 5b = 3(4)
a + 5b  = 12
Four times the number plus five times the second number is equal to three.
4a + 5b = 3
:
Use elimination here
4a + 5b = 3
a + 5b = 12
--------------Subtraction eliminates b, find a
3a = -9
a = -9/3
a = -3
Find a using the eq a + 5b = 12
-3 + 5b = 12
5b = 12 + 3
5b = 15
b = 15/5
b = 3
:
 Find the smaller number. 
The smaller number is a; -3
:
:
Confirm these solutions in the 1st original equation
{{{1/3}}}(-3) + {{{5/3}}}(3) = 4
-1 + 5 = 4