The sum of two numbers is 60. If three times the smaller number is subtracted from the larger? number, the result is 12. Find the two numbers

Question

The sum of two numbers is 60.
  
If three times

the smaller number is subtracted from the larger? number, the result is 12.
  
Find the two numbers

Answer 1

Let x be the larger number, and y be the smaller number. (or vice versa and whatever variables you want to use)

 

First statement is sum of the two numbers is 60 so it's: x + y = 60

 

Second statement is the smaller number subtracted FROM the larger and the result is 12 (since it said from the larger, the larger number comes first in the equation): x - y = 12

 

x + y = 60

x - y  = 12

 

Just do elimination or substitution. It's faster to do elimination in this one because you just got to add which is in line to which.

 

(x+x) + (y+(-y)) = 60+12

2x + 0 = 72

x = 36

 

Choose one of the equations (any of the two) to substitute x:

 

x + y = 60; 36 + y = 60; y = 24

 

x = 36; y = 24 

 

To check, you just gotta substitute them in the question and see if they satisfy the given.