The larger of two number is two less than three times the smaller number. The sum of two numbers is forty-two. Find both numbers.

let the smaller number be : x

let the larger number be : 3x - 2

3x - 2 + x = 42

4 x - 2 = 42

4x = 42 + 2 = 44

x = 44 / 4 = 11

Answer:

smaller number = 11

larger number = 3 (11) - 2 = 31

Larger number: 3x - 2

Smaller number: x

3x-2 + x = 42

4x-2=42

4x = 44

x=11

Now substitute:

Larger number: 3 (11) - 2

33 - 2

31

Smaller number: (11)