Question 14287
The difference between two numbers is -38. Two times the smaller number minus five times the larger number is -217. What are the two numbers?
Let x= smaller number
y=larger number

x-y=-38
2x-5y=-217
Now you have your equations; we will start with substitution; that means we will find the answer for one variable and substitute it in the equation to find the other variable.
We will start with the first equation;
x-y=-38
x=-38+y
Now substitute this equation for the x;
2(-38+y)-5y=-217
Distribute the 2;
-76+2y-5y=-217
Add 76 to both sides, andadd like terms;
2y-5y=-217+76
-3y=-141
divide each side by -3;
{{{-3y/3=-141/-3}}}
y=47
Now we have what y =;
x-47=-38
x=9
So we are finished; 
y=47
x=9
Do not forget to check your answers!
Hope you understand
=)