Question

One number exceeds another by 3. One third of their sum is 5 less than the smaller number. Find the numbers

Answer 1

Let the numbers be x and x + 3

(x + x + 3) / 3 = 5

(2x + 3) / 3 = 5

2x + 3 = 5 × 3

2x + 3 = 15

2x = 15 - 3

2x = 12

2x / 2 = 12 / 2

x = 6

Recall that the numbers are x and x + 3

Therefore

number 1 = x

number 1 = 6

and

number 2 = x + 3

number 2 = 6 + 3

number 2 = 9

Answer: The numbers are 6 and 9