Question 80665
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x = first    y = second 

x - y = 33     (1)    according to the condition

y = 3x-7       (2)    according to the condition


Substitute (2) into (1) to get 


x - (3x-7) = 33

x - 3x + 7 = 33

-2x = 33 - 7

-2x = 26

x = -13  ====>  y = 3x-7 = 3*(-13) - 7 = -39-7 = -46.


<U>Answer</U>.  The numbers are -13 (first) and -46 (second).
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<U>Notice</U>:  &nbsp;&nbsp;The words &nbsp;"the difference of two numbers" &nbsp;may mean &nbsp;(x-y) &nbsp;OR &nbsp;(y-x) - &nbsp;it is not determined by an unique way.


So, playing with the difference &nbsp;y-x = 33, &nbsp;you will get another answer.


Try it and get your own answer/solution.