Mark B. answered • 01/17/19
PhD Candidate in Psychology: Experienced Math, Statistics, Tutor
Hello,
How about we work this problem in the following manner, okay?
Given the information in the problem:
Let L equal the larger number
Let S equal the smaller number
Next, let's follow the problem's instructions:
L = 5 + 2s <--------"The larger of two numbers is 5 more than twice the smaller."
L - s = 12 <--------"The difference of the two numbers is 12."
Since L equals 5 + 2s let's substitute here meaning,
(5 + 2s) - s = 12
5 + 2s - s = 12
5 + s = 12
s = 7 <-------This is your smaller number, okay?
To get the larger number, all we need do now is to substitute 7 for s in the first equation. Do you see that?
L = 5 + 2s
L = 5 + 2(7)
L = 5 + 14
L = 19 <---------This is your larger number, okay?
To check our work, we need to know whether the larger of our two numbers is 5 more than twice the smaller. Two times our smaller is 14 and when you add 5 to that you get 19. Therefore, the answer checks out and is valid.
I hope this assists and that you have a great end of the week. Please feel free to leave any feedback, seek clarity, or ask any additional questions by clicking the "add comment" prompt. If you are seeking one on one tutoring, please feel free to reach out to me through the Wyzant system. Best!
