Find the numbers if two numbers sum to 56. thrice the first subtracted from the second is 4.

Nasir Sullivan

Nasir Sullivan

Answered question

2022-09-19

Find the numbers if two numbers sum to 56. thrice the first subtracted from the second is 4.

Answer & Explanation

Zariah Fletcher

Zariah Fletcher

Beginner2022-09-20Added 8 answers

There are two numbers. Let's call them x and y.
x+y=56
Thrice the first subtracted, so −3x, from the second, y, is =4, so
y−3x=4
Now you have a simultaneous equation to work with.
y+x=56
y−3x=4
Same signs subtract, Different signs add. I always prefer dealing with the number after the operation, so I'll start with that. We should make the coefficients the same.
3(y+x)=3(56)
y−3x=4
3y+3x=168
y−3x=4
If we add the bottom to the top, we end up with
4 y = 172
y = 172 4
y = 43
Substitute your answer for y into any of the equations given (and never the one that you made, in case it is wrong).
Let's take the given one.
x+y=56
x+43=56
x=56−43
x=13
Therefore,
{ x = 13 y = 43

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