There are two numbers whose sum is 144 onrnumber is three times as large as the other number what is the smallest number

Question

 There are two numbers whose sum is 144 one number is three times as large as the other number what is the smallest number 

Answer 1

Hi Kaylee.

 

Call the smaller number n.

 

The larger number is 3 times as big, so call it 3n

 

3n + n = 144

 

So 4n = 144

 

So n = 144 divided by 4, which equals...

 

Your turn! :-)

Answer 2

Let S = smaller number

Let L = larger number

S + L = 144

L = 3S

Solving S + L = 144 for S

S = 144 - L

Substituting this in other equation L = 3S

L = 3(144 - L)

L = 432 - 3L

4L = 432

L = 108

S = 144 - 108 = 36

Answer = 36