# Math Help - Solving an equation

1. ## Solving an equation

*The product of two numbers is 10 -----------------------> ab = 10 ..........(1)
*One number is 3 more than the other number --------> a = b + 3 ........(2)

Substitute the two equations. ^^

Do I use -5 for a and 2 for b? I am not quite sure what you mean by "substitute the two equations."

2. Originally Posted by bobbyboy1111
*The product of two numbers is 10 -----------------------> ab = 10 ..........(1)
*One number is 3 more than the other number --------> a = b + 3 ........(2)

Substitute the two equations. ^^

Do I use -5 for a and 2 for b? I am not quite sure what you mean by "substitute the two equations."
It means you replace the $a$ in equation (1) with the expression for $a$ given in equation (2) so that you have a single equation that you use to solve for $b$.

3. b + 3(b) = 10?

Like this?

4. Originally Posted by bobbyboy1111
*The product of two numbers is 10 -----------------------> ab = 10 ..........(1)
*One number is 3 more than the other number --------> a = b + 3 ........(2)
a = b+3

substitute (b+3) for a in the first equation ...

(b+3)b = 10

distribute on the left and solve the quadratic equation.

5. Thanks Skeeter