Question 101925
Write an expression for each phrase

"three numbers"
x, y, &  z
:
"the second is two less than three times the first"
y = (3x - 2)
:
"the third is four times the first"
z = 4x
:
"the sum of the three numbers is 38." 
x + y + z = 38
:
find the largest and smallest numbers?
Notice that y and z are given in terms of x, substitute for y & z, Find x
x + (3x-2) + 4x = 38
x + 3x - 2 + 4x = 38
8x = 38 + 2
x = 40/8
x = 5 (smallest)
:
Find y:
y = 3x - 2
y = 3(5) - 2
y = 13
:
Find z:
z = 4(5) = 20 (largest)
:
Check solutions:
5 + 13 + 20 = 38