the sum of 2 numbers is 42. the first is 6 less than 3 times the second. find the numbers

Question

how do i solve this word problem?

 

Answer 1

Hi Bianna, let x represent the first number and y the second number. 

 

Then, x + y = 42.

 

But, x is 6 less than 3 * y, or x = 3y - 6.

 

To solve this problem, substitute for x in x + y = 42.

 

x + y = 42

 

Substitute for x:

 

(3y - 6) + y = 42

 

Now all that is needed is to solve for the value of y. Once you know the value of y, you can find the value of x.

 

Questions?