the sum of two numbers is 39. one number is 2 times as large as the other. what are the numbers?

Question

the sum of two numbers is 39. one number is 2 times as large as the other. what are the numbers?

Answer 1

Hi Ashley,

 

Let's say x and y are our two numbers. We know that:

 

1) x + y = 39

 

2) x = 2 * y   We could also say y = 2 * x, but I chose x to be larger.

 

We can use the method of substitution, plugging the second equation into our first and then solving:

 

(2 * y) + y = 39

 

3 * y = 39

 

y = 13

 

Using our second equation:

 

x = 2 * (13)

 

x = 26

 

Hope this helps!