The sum of two numbers is less than 17. The second number is 3 less than the first. What are the possible values for the first of the two numbers? X = 1st # and Y= 2nd#

Question

The sum of two numbers is less than 17.  The second number is 3 less than the first.  What are the possible values for the first of the two numbers?  X = 1st # and Y= 2nd#

zepdrix · Answer

X + Y < 17    The sum of the two numbers is less than 17.
Y = X - 3   The second number is 3 less than the first number.

Use substitution, plug the second equation in for the Y in your first equation to solve for x! :D If that's confusing you can let me know.

anonymous · Answer

I was trying to figure this out and the only answer I got was that X = every # but 10.  Because if x = 10 then y = 7 and 17<17.

anonymous · Answer

I did the substitution method and got x=10 and y = 7

zepdrix · Answer

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Ok good, looks like you're on the right track :)
But it's an INEQUALITY! :D LESS THAN! So we found all possible values for the first number, 10 and below.