Question

The sum of two numbers is 72. If twice the smaller number is subtracted from the larger number, the result is 9. Find the two numbers.

The larger number is
The smaller number is

Answer 1

51

21

Explanation:

Let x be larger number

Let y be smaller number

x - 2y = 9

==>

x = 9 + 2y

AND

x + y = 72

SO

(9 + 2y) + y = 72

==>

3y = 72 - 9 = 63

==>

y = 21

SINCE

x = 9 + 2y = 9 + (2×21)

==>

x = 51