One number is three less than a second number. Four times the first is two more than two times the second. Find the numbers

Answer 1

Let X1 = 1st number and X2 = 2nd number.

Assume X1 = X2-3.

4X1 = 2X2 + 2

Substitute X2-3 for X1 in the 2nd equation.

4(X2-3) = 2X2 +2 ==> 4X2 - 12 = 2X2 + 2.

Subtract 2X2 from both sides and add 12 to both sides to get

2X2 = 14, therefore X2 = 7.

Plug in this value into teither equation and solve for X1.

X1 = X2 - 3 ==> X1 = 7-3 = 4.

OR 4X1 = 2X2 + 2 ==> 4X1 = 14+2 = 16, Divide both sides by 4 to get X1 = 4.