Question

the larger of two numbers is 1 less than 3 times the smaller number. if twice the smaller is increased by the larger number, the result is 18 more than the larger number. find both numbers.

Answer 1

x = 3y - 1

2y + x = x + 18

2y + 3y - 1 = 3y - 1 + 18

5y - 1 = 3y + 17

2y = 18

y = 9

x = 3(9) - 1

x = 27 - 1

x = 26