Separate 77 into two parts so that one part is 4 less than twice as much as the other

Question

I don't know if there should be one or two answers. My question is based on multi-step equations.

Answer 1

x + y = 77

 

one part is 4 less than twice as much as the other

 

x = 2y - 4

 

(2y - 4) + y = 77

 

3y = 81

 

y = 27

 

x = 50

Answer 2

The wording of this question is strange.  I do not know what they mean by "separate 77," but I think they want you to find 2 numbers that add up to 77, where one number is 4 less than twice as much as the other.

 

n = the other number

2n - 4 = one number

 

n + (2n - 4) = 77

 

3n - 4 = 77

 

n = (77 + 4)/3 = 27

 

2n - 4 = 2(27) - 4 = 50