Question

The sum of two numbers is 66. The larger number is three less than twice the smaller number.
Find the numbers.

Answer 1

x = Small Number
y = Large Number
By the question, y = 2x-3

So: x+y=66

Substitute Y for 2x-3...
\[x+(2x-3)=66\]
and solve for x:
\[3x - 3 = 66\]
\[3x=69\]
\[x = 23\]
23 is your small number, now plus that back in to the large number question (y).
\[y=2(23)-3=43\]
Small Number: 23 Large Number: 43

Check if needed: 43+23=66