Question 1111353

x + y = 54   (1)  (…and let x be the smaller number)
3x - y = 14  (2)

Add (1) to (2):
4x + 0y = 68  —>  x=17 —> (I used eq (1)) —>  y=37

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Ans:  17  is the smaller number
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Check:  17+37 = 54   (ok)
          3(17)-37 = 51-37 = 14  (ok)