If we say: x = the smaller numbers we want to find y = the larger number we want to find Then, we can formulate two equations using the information given: x + y = 68 [1] y - 4x = 3 [2] Now, we can solve simultaneously: Rearrange [1] & [2] in terms of y: y = 68 - x [1] y = 4x + 3 [2] Now equate them and solve for x: 68 - x = 4x + 3 5x + 3 = 68 5x = 65 x = 13 Sub x-value into either [1] or [2]: y = 68 - (13) y = 55
