The sum of two numbers is 6 . three times the larger number plus three times the smaller number is 36. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

L + S = 6

multiply both sides by 3

3L +3S = 18

"3 times the larger number plus 3 times the smaller number is 36" seems to read:

3L +3S = 36, but that contradicts the 1st equation, IF you graphed them they'd be parallel lines. With no intersection, and no solution.

so try to interpret "3 times the larger number plus 3 times the smaller number is 36"

instead as

3(L+3S) = 36

3L +9S = 36, then subtract the 1st equation, multiplied by 3

3L +3S =18

6S = 18

S = 18/6 = 3 = the Smaller number

L = 6-3 = 3 = the Larger number, but 3 is not larger than 3, so again there is no solution for the problem as stated.

there may be a mistake in copying the problem or a mistake in the problem originally