Question 1119416
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A formal algebraic solution as provided by the other tutor is of course valid; and something like that is of course required if the assignment requires an algebraic solution.<br>
But solving problem like this informally, through logical reasoning and a little mental arithmetic, can be excellent exercise for the brain.<br>
(1) The given information says that 8 remains after you subtract 4 times the smaller number from the larger.
(2) So subtract 8 from the larger number to get a "new" larger number; now when 4 times the smaller is subtracted from the new larger, the result is 0.
(3) That means the new larger number is exactly 4 times the smaller number; and that means the new sum is 5 times the smaller number.
(4) The new sum is 103-8 = 95; that means the smaller number is 95/5 = 19.
(5) Then the "new" larger number is 19*4 = 76; and so the original larger number is 76+8 = 84.