Thread: Basic Algebra Help Please

I am trying to remember how to do this. It is a word problem, here it is
The sum of two numbers is 18. The differnce between four times the smaller number and seven is equal to the sum of two times the larger number and five. Find the two numbers.

Originally Posted by katykonas

I am trying to remember how to do this. It is a word problem, here it is
The sum of two numbers is 18. The differnce between four times the smaller number and seven is equal to the sum of two times the larger number and five. Find the two numbers.

The sum of two number is 18 ---> x + y = 18

The difference between four times the smaller number and seven is equal to the sum of two times the larger number and five.
-->4x-7=2y-5

now you have two independant simultaneaous equations and two unknowns so it is solvable. If you need more help let me know

Originally Posted by Math Help

The sum of two number is 18 ---> x + y = 18

The difference between four times the smaller number and seven is equal to the sum of two times the larger number and five.
-->4x-7=2y-5

now you have two independant simultaneaous equations and two unknowns so it is solvable. If you need more help let me know

for the second equation, I think he meant 4x-7=2y+5. Anyway, it didnt say whether the small number x was less than or grater than 7, so if that equation doesnt work out, try 7-4x=2y+5