Njah T.

asked • 02/15/16

one number added to three times another number is 24. five times the first number added to three times the other number is 36 find the numbers.

I need to find the numbers.

1 Expert Answer

By:

Chris F. answered • 02/15/16

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Math Tutor For All Areas Of Math

See tutors like this
See tutors like this
Let x equal the one number.
 
Let y equal the other number.
 
x + 3y = 24
 
5x +3y = 36
 
Subtract the first equation from the second equation.
 
4x = 12
 
x = 3
Upvote • 0 Downvote
More
Report

Lexi L.

That would be incorrect, because 
 
x + 3y = 24
5x + 3y = 36
 
Like you said, BUT 
 
if you were to subtract the equations 
 
x - 5x = -4x 
 
Then the 3ys would cancel out. Leaving:
 
-4x = 12 
 
x would equal -3. Not positive 3. 
Report

02/01/18

Carlos C.

you are incorrect because you would get positive 3 x + 3y = 24 5x + 3y = 36 times the bottom row by a negative, and the subtract both equations and solve, and you are left with positive 3 -4x=-12 turns into x=3
Report

10/15/18

Timmy V.

The question wants to know both of the numbers so you would plug x back into the original equation to get a y value of 7
Report

02/25/20

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.