The sum of two numbers is 48 . The sum of the smaller and 2 times the larger is 74 .

Answer 1

Could also use substitution, although in this example it's not necessarily better.

x + y = 48 so x = 48 - y

x + 2y = 74

48 - y + 2y = 74

48 + y = 74

y = 74 - 48

y = 26

x = 48 - 26 so x = 22

Check: 22 + 2(26) = 74

Answer 2

Let's those two numbers be x and y and x<y, Then

x+y=48

x+2y=74

Now we need to find x and y,

Subtracting from the second equation the first one we find y= 26. Substituting this value into first equation we find x:

x+26=48

x=22