Mathematics
OpenStudy (anonymous):

find two consecutive odd numbers such that the sum of three sevenths of the first numberand one third of the second numberis equal to 38

8 years ago

So you want $$\frac{3}{7}x + \frac{1}{3}y = 38$$, where x and y are consecutive odd numbers. The fact that they are consecutive odd numbers means that the relationship between the two can be described as $$x = y + 2$$ (or vice versa). That means you have: $$x = y + 2$$ $$\frac{3}{7}x + \frac{1}{3}y = 38$$ Can you figure out how to solve this using systems of equations?

8 years ago
OpenStudy (anonymous):

im confused

8 years ago
OpenStudy (sandra):

hmmm, well in this question you have two unknowns, the first number and the second number

8 years ago
OpenStudy (sandra):

(let's call them x and y). according to the second part of your prompt, we know 3x/7 + y/3 = 38 - that's what shadowfiend wrote too

8 years ago
OpenStudy (sandra):

now, given that the numbers are consecutive, odd numbers, you have another equation you can write too

8 years ago
OpenStudy (sandra):

since all consecutive odd numbers are two numbers apart (since every other number is even), you know the second number (y) is y = x + 2

8 years ago
OpenStudy (sandra):

if you substitute that in for y in the first equation, you should have the answer

8 years ago
OpenStudy (sandra):

or rather, you'll be able to solve for x

8 years ago
OpenStudy (sandra):

and then consequently you'll be able to get y (by substituting the actual value of x into either equation)

8 years ago
OpenStudy (anonymous):

thank you :)

8 years ago
OpenStudy (sandra):

yep no problem, the good thing is once you think you've solved these, they're easy to check, since you just put the numbers back into your equations and make sure the statements are true

8 years ago