the greater of two numbers is 12 less than 4 times the small. their sum is 23. find the numbers

Question

the greater of two numbers is 12 less than 4 times the small. the sum is 23. 

Answer 1

Let x be the bigger number and y, the smaller.

x = 4y - 12 is the math translation of the greater is 12 less than 4 times the smaller

x + y = 23  is the math translation of their sum s 23

 

Substitute: 4y - 12 + y = 23

 

Add 12 to each side and collect terms

5y = 35

 

Divide

y = 7

x = 4y - 12 = 16

 

Take the answers and make sure they solve the problem as stated.