The sum of two numbers is 17. One less than twice the smaller number is equal to the larger. Find the two numbers.

Question

Algebra word problem help. Please help. step by step on how it is solved

Answer 1

a + b = 17 (the numbers added together equals 17)

a = 2b - 1 (one number is twice the size minus 1 of the other)

 

We can use substitution here:

2b - 1 + b = 17

simplify

3b - 1 = 17

add 1 to both sides

3b = 18

divide by 3

b = 6

 

a = 2 * 6 - 1

a = 12 - 1

a = 11

 

check:

11 + 6 = 17

17 = 17