algebra word problem

Question

one number is 16 more than another. if the smaller number is subtracted from two thirds of the large numbe, the result is one fourth of the sum of the two number. find the number.

Answer 1

y = x + 16

(2/3)y - x = (x+y)/4

Clear fractions (multiply by 12) and collect terms in the 2nd equation

8y - 12x = 3x + 3y => 5y = 15x i.e. y=3x

Substitute in the first equation

3x = x + 16 => x= 8 and therefore y = 24