The sum of three numbers is 83. The second number is 4 more than the first number. The third number is 5 less than twice the first number. Find the three number

Question

I see where this is like the one before but we are having trouble trying to figure out where to put the 5 less than2 x the first number.

Answer 1

Here's what we know

a + b + c = 83 (sum of three numbers is 83)

b = a + 4 (the second number is 4 more than the first)

c = 2a - 5 (the third is 5 less than twice the first)

 

We have variable values, so let's plug them in:

a + a + 4 + 2a - 5 = 83

simplify

4a - 1 = 83

Add 1 to both sides:

4a = 84

Divide by 4:

a = 21

 

And now that we know a, you can find b and c.