how do I solve this?

Question

Write a mathematical model for the problem and solve.

One positive number is 3 times another number. The difference between the two numbers is 86. Find the numbers. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list.)

Answer 1

n is one number

3n is the other number

 

3n - n = 86

 

Can you solve for n and answer?

Answer 2

(i)   y = 3x

(ii)  y - x = 86

 

3x - x = 86

2x = 86

x = 86/2 = 43

y = 3x = 3(43) = 129

 

x = 43

y = 129