Thread: i'm stuck on this problem

the difference of two numbers is 33. the second is 7 l ess than 3times the first what are the numbers?
i thought 3x-7 = 33 i'm stuck to solve this please help me thanks

I think the two numbers should be 77 and 44 because 77-44=33 and 77 multiplied 3=231/7=33. I hope it's right

Originally Posted by lizard4

the difference of two numbers is 33. the second is 7 l ess than 3times the first what are the numbers?
i thought 3x-7 = 33 i'm stuck to solve this please help me thanks

Let the numbers be x and y, then

x-y=33

and

y=3x-7

substitute the second into the first to get:

-2x+7=33

so x=-13, and then y=-46.

But if we instead have as the first equation y-x=33, then on substitution
we have:

2x-7=33,

so x=20, and y=53.

RonL

Originally Posted by lizard4

the difference of two numbers is 33. the second is 7 l ess than 3times the first what are the numbers?
i thought 3x-7 = 33 i'm stuck to solve this please help me thanks

You have seen the solution to a number of these types of problems in recent days. If you are still having problems, it might be a good idea to tell us where those problems are. It would be better than having us give you solutions that (apparently) aren't helping you.

-Dan