The larger of two numbers is three times the smaller. The sum of the two numbers is 6. What are the numbers?

Answer 1

L = 3S. L +S = 6. Solve by substitution 3S for L.3S+S = 6, 4S=6.S=6/4 = 3/2. L =3 * (3/2) = 9/2. Can check in other equation. Could solve the 2nd equation for either variable and substitute. Could solve by linear combinations or graphing.