Question

One number is 8 less than a second number. Twice the second number is 52 more than 5 times the first. Find the smaller of the two numbers.

Answer 1

I will try my best...

Let x and y be the two numbers.  

x = y - 4  

2y = 5x - 10  

Now, we solve the system of equations:  

2y = 5(y - 4) - 10  

2y = 5y - 20 - 10  

-3y = -30  

So...

y = 10  

x = 10 - 4 = 6

Answer 2

Let x and y be the two numbers.  

x = y - 4  

2y = 5x - 10  

solve the system of equations:  

2y = 5(y - 4) - 10  

2y = 5y - 20 - 10  

-3y = -30  

y = 10  

x = 10 - 4 = 6