The number y is 3 more than 5 times another number x. Their sum is 51.

Question

Hey there! I've always had troubles with word problems, so if you could, please explain it step by step.

Answer 1

In this case you can read the math right in the sentence. Where you see "is" substitute "=", where you see "more" substitute "+" and times is multiplication. So, Y is 3 more than 5 times X becomes Y = 3 + 5X

The second part if straight forward. Their sum is 51. X+Y=51.

Now substitute 3+ 5X for Y in the second equation.

X + 3 + 5X = 51 Combine like terms.

6X + 3 = 51 Subtract 3 from both sides.

6X = 48 Divide both sides by 6.

X=8 Substitute 8 for X into either equation to get that Y =43