The sum of two numbers is 86. One of the numbers is five less than three times the other. What are the two numbers?

Question

The sum of two numbers is 86.  One of the numbers is five less than three times the other.  What are the two numbers?

anonymous · Answer

x+y=86
x is five less than three times the other  (x+5=3y)

anonymous · Answer

easiest way to solve this would be ot move the 5 to other side and sub in

anonymous · Answer

X+y=86
x-5=3y
x=5+3y

5+3y+y=86
4y=86-5
4y=81
Y=81/4
Y=20.25

X+y=86
X+20.25=86
X=86-20.25

anonymous · Answer

so i seem to not understand why you make it x+5=3y? i was reading it asx-5=3y

anonymous · Answer

so it says that one of the numbers is 5 less than 3 times the other number. So that means x= 3y-5. This shows that x is 5 less than whatever 3y is, you get the 3y first, then subtract 5.

anonymous · Answer

ok thanks that is a big help

anonymous · Answer

Hope that helps make sense!