
Mark B. answered 12/14/18
PhD Candidate and Math Tutor with 20 Years of Experience: All levels.
Hello Cidney,
First, we want to come up with some expressions which will represent the two numbers you are attempting to find, okay? So, let's do this:
Let x equal the first number
Let 2x + 1 equal the second number:
Second, the sum of the two numbers - we are told in the problem is 25, correct? So, that means all we need to do is to take the two expressions and add them together and set them equal to twenty-five.
Therefore:
x + 2x + 1 = 25 <-----Combine like terms
3x + 1 = 25 <-----Now subtract 1 from both sides to keep the 3x to itself.
3x = 24 <-----Now divide both sides of the equation by 3 to leave x to itself.
x = 8
x = 8 <------This is the first number
2x + 1 =
2(8) + 1 = 17 <------This is the second number
Now, let's check our work, okay? To do this, let's substitute the value of x and "x +1" to determine whether the solution is valid. We will use the first equation to test this, okay?
x + 2x + 1 = 25
8 + 17 = 25
25 = 25
The solution checks and is therefore valid. I wish you a Happy Holiday season and invite you to leave any feedback, ask any further questions you may have, or are seeking clarity. Also, if you need one on one tutoring, please feel free to reach out to me. Best!