The difference of two numbers is 6. The larger number is 2 less than three times the smaller number. Find the two numbers.

Question

please explain and show workings!

Answer 1

Let’s use these variables.

L=larger number

S=smaller number

Niw let’s assign values to the variables.

L=3S-2

S=S

The question tells us we get 6 when we subtract them.

3S-2-S=6

Solve for S

2S-2=6

+2 +2

2S=8

/2 /2

S=4

The smaller number is 4. Substitute 4 into the L equation to find the value of L.

L=3S-2

L=3(4)-2

L=12-2

L=10