Question

One number is two more than a second number. Twice the first is 4 less than 3 times the second. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

You have two unknowns in two equations. If you write out the equations, then any valid method for solving for two unknowns will work.

Answer 2

hi,
if the first number is "x"
the second number is " x + 2"

and twice the first is " 2x"
also...
3 less than 3 times the second no. is " 2(x+2) -3"

so... the problem says
Twice the first is 4 less than 3 times the second.
which means..
2x = 3(x+2) -4
now solve this for "x"
wt will u get ?

Answer 3

x+2=y
2x+4=3y

I believe this is what is being asked....

A system of equations?

Answer 4

\[\{x=2+y,2x=3y-4\}\]

Answer 5

@austinL Yes, I need a system of equations. Let me try that.

Answer 6

{x = 10, y = 8}

Answer 7

@austinL I just solved it, and it's not quite working. @robtobey yours is working perfectly. Thank you!

Answer 8

@austinL ummmm... ur second equation seems to have some error bro...
the question says..
twice the first number which is "2y" according to ur system of equation is equal to 4 less than thrice the second number...
so....
it should be...
2y = 4 - 3(x+2)

Answer 9

Liv_16
Thank you for the medal.

Answer 10

@robtobey Thank YOU for the help =)

Answer 11

@***[ISURU]***
\(2x+4=3y \implies 2x=3y-4\)
Both mean "Twice the first is 4 less than 3 times the second. "

Answer 12

Lol, mine is just subtly different than rob's. I put "+4" on the left, and he put "-4" on the right. Though, subtle differences make big changes in mathematics.
+1 for you @robtobey

@***[ISURU]***
What you have just done is the next step in solving the system of equations. Substitution.