The sum of two numbers is 243. If twice the larger number is 14 less than three times the smaller, find the smaller number.

Answer 1

x > y and x+y=243

then y = 243-x

twice the larger is 14 less than 3 times the smaller

2x = 3y - 14

The system is:

x + y = 243

2x - 3y = -14

Solves by substitution

2x - 3(243-x) = -14

2x - 729 + 3x = -14

5x - 729 = -14

5x = -14 + 729 = 715

x = 715/5 = 143

then y = 243-x = 243-143=100

143 and 100

2(143) = 286 = 300-14 = 3(100)-14

so twice the larger IS 14 less than 3 times the smaller

the answer is correct: 143 and 100