Question 109592
1.) The sum of two numbers is 78. Three times the lesser number is six less than the greater number. What are the numbers? 
Let the numbers be x and y.
EQUATIONS:
x+y = 78
3x=y-6
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Rewrite the equations
y = -x+78
y = 3x+6
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Substitute and solve for "x":
-x+78 = 3x+6
4x = 72
x = 18
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Substitute to solve for y:
18+y = 78
y = 60
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2.) The sum of three consecutive odd numbers is 273. What are the numbers? 
Let the integers be x+1, x+3, x+5
EQUATION:
x+1 + x+3 + x+5 = 273
3x +9 = 273
3x = 264
x = 88
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x+1 = 89
x+3 = 91
x+5 = 93
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Cheers,
Stan H.