Question

Two numbers have a sum = 67. The larger number is "one less than three times the smaller number. Find the two numbers.
How would I solve this?

Answer 1

Write 2 equations, we'll say x is our smaller number and y is the larger

"Two numbers have a sum = 67"
x + y = 67

"...one less than three times the smaller number"
y = 3x - 1

now you have 2 equations and 2 unknown variables, solve by substitution or elimination.