Question 133433
One number is five more than another and their sum is three less than three times the smaller. Find the numbers. 


Let x = smaller number  

Let x + 5 = bigger number

smaller number PLUS bigger number = 3 times smaller number minus three.

Here's what the statement looks like as an equation:

x + x + 5 = 3x - 3

Now, solve for x.

2x + 5 = 3x - 3

2x - 3x = -3 -5

-x = - 8

x = 8...smaller number

x + 5 becomes 8 + 5 = 13...bigger number

The smaller number is 8 and and bigger number is 13.