the second of two numbers is 3 less than twice the first their sum is 42 find the numbers

Question

the second of two numbers is 3 less than twice the first their sum is 42 find the numbers

Answer 1

Call the numbers x and y. The phrase "the second of two numbers is 3 less than twice the first" can be written as an equation:

 

y = 2x - 3

 

The phrase "their sum is 42" can be written as:

 

x + y = 42

 

These two equations are enough to solve the problem.

 

x + (2x - 3) = 42

3x = 45

x = 15

 

y = 2(15) - 3 = 30 - 3

y = 27