Let x represent the larger number. Let y represent the smaller number. x-y=4 Given 3x=5y-2 Given Now we can just substitute; let x=4+y Substitute 4+y for x in the second equation: 3(4+y)=5y-2 12+3y=5y-2 -2y=-14 y=7 Substitute back (into BOTH equations to double check work). x, the larger number, is 11