Question

one number is three times another number, and their sum is -10. what is the smaller of the two numbers?

Answer 1

let a + b = -10

where a = 3b

substitute a into the equation: a + b = -10

3b + b = -10

b = -10 / 4

b = -2.5

a = 3b

a = 3(-2.5)

a = -7.5

check:

a + b = -10

-7.5 + (-2.5) = 10

-10 = 10

Answer 2

Let the smaller number be x .

Then the larger number = 3x

Their sum = -10

This can be written in an equation as :-

`x + 3x = - 10`

`4x = - 10`

`x = ( - 10)/( \: \: \: 4)`

`x = - 2.5`

Which means :-

The value of the first number = -2.5

The value of the second number = -2.5 × 3 = -7.5

Therefore , the smaller of the two numbers is = -7.5