Question

A certain number is three more than five times another number. The difference of the two numbers is 11

Answer 1

This can be displayed as a system of equations.

x = 3 + 5y

x - y = 11

Because we have a value of x we can plug it into the value of x in the second equation.

(3 + 5y) - y = 11

3 + 5y - y = 11

Combine like terms.

3 + 4y = 11

Subtract 3 from both sides.

4y = 8

Divide both sides by 4.

y = 2

Now that we have a constant value for y, we can replace the value of y in the second equation with 2 to solve for x.

x - 2 = 11

Add 2 to both sides.

x = 13

Now, let's verify.

13 = 3 + 5(2)

13 = 3 + 10

13 = 13 √ this is correct.

13 - 2 = 11

11 = 11 √ this is correct.

The first number, or x, is equal to 13.

The second number, or y, is equal to 2.