The first of two films lasted 3 minutes less than twice as long as the second. Together the two films lasted 132 minutes. How long was the first film?

X = first film ... y = second film

x + y = 132

x = 2y - 3

2y - 3 + y = 132

3y - 3 = 132

3y = 132 + 3

3y = 135

y = 135/3

y = 45 ... so the 2nd film lasted 45 minutes

x = 2y - 3

x = 2 (45) - 3

x = 90 - 3

x = 87 < = = = the first film lasted 87 minutes