Jessica k.

asked • 02/15/17

sum of two numbers

The sum of two numbers is 26. The first number is 3/10 of the second number. What are the numbers?

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Inactive Tutor answered • 02/15/17

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It's important that you learn to take the 'given' facts and turn them into an equation. In this way, you will truly learn (which means that you'll move toward self reliance).
 
Let second number be x; then the first number is (3/10)x.  
 
Thus, x + 0.3x = 16.  Solve for x.
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Inactive Tutor

It' may seem minor, but it is a little clearer to translate:
     "The sum of two numbers is 26" into
     first number   +   second number   =  26
          x              +     (3/10)x             = 26
                     (13/10)x  =  26
                            . . .
 
... and not introduce decimals.
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02/15/17

Inactive Tutor

. . .   ah-ha!   It even confused me:
 
     first number   +   second number   =  26
          (3/10)x     +     x             = 26
                     (13/10)x  =  26
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02/15/17

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