Question

There are two numbers. the sum of the larger number and three times the smaller number is 14. the larger number is two more than the smaller number. what is the larger number?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5

Answer 1

First, you have to give each a variable. In this case, the smaller number will be x and the larger number will be y.

Next, you need to make the equations. Your equations are:
y+3x=14
x+2=y

What you're solving for is y because the questions asks what the larger number is.

Then, substitute. It will be this after substituted:

x+2+3x=14

Combine like terms.

4x+2=14

Subtract by 2 on both sides.

4x=12

Divide by 4 on both sides.

x=3

^This what your smaller number is but you can easily find what y (the larger number) is. Substitute x into the other equation, which is basically adding 2 to 3.

y=5

(D)