Use the three steps to solve the problem.

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

{?) (?)

The numbers should be 8 and 13. You can check them to be sure.

X = Bigger number is 5/3

y = Smaller number is 1/3

Solution

x = 5y

x + y = 3 - 3y which is x + 4y = 3

So, then replacing x with 5y in the second equation we get

5y + 4y = 3

So y = 1/3

Then coming back to the first equation

x = 5/3

Check the result with the second equation

5/3 + 1/3 = 3 - 3/3