Let's set up an equation. smaller number = x larger number = 2x - 5 Now set up the equation so that the larger number plus the smaller number adds up to 43. x + 2x - 5 = 43 3x - 5 = 43 ( I added the x and 2x) 3x = 48 ( I added 5 to both sides) x = 16 (I divided both sides by 3)
Now let's check it. Substitute 16 for every time there is an x.
16 + 2(16) - 5 = 43 16 + 32 - 5 = 43 48 - 5 = 43 43 = 43 It checks. x is equal to 16, so that means: smaller number = 16 larger number = 27
