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One number is 4 less than a second number. Twice the second number is 4 less than 5 times the first. Find the two

numbers.

1 Answer

6 votes

I'll denote the first number as x and the second number as y.

The information we got about the conditions:

One number is 4 less than a second number:

x = y - 4

Twice the second number is 4 less than 5 times the first:

2y = 5x - 4

So now we have a system of equations:

Equation 1: x = y - 4

Equation 2: 2y = 5x - 4

Solve it to find the values of x and y.

Substitute Equation 1 into Equation 2:

2y = 5(y - 4) - 4

2y = 5y - 20 - 4

2y = 5y - 24

Subtract 2y from both sides:

0 = 5y - 2y - 24

0 = 3y - 24

Add 24 to both sides:

3y = 24

Divide by 3:

y = 8

We got y, so then substitute it back into Equation 1:

x = y - 4

x = 8 - 4

x = 4

So, those numbers are x = 4 and y = 8.

ヾ(•ω•`)o

answered
User Jared Price
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