The sum of 2 numbers is 60. The larger number is thrice the smaller

Discussion in 'Calculator Requests' started by math_celebrity, Nov 18, 2018.

  1. math_celebrity

    math_celebrity Administrator Staff Member

    The sum of 2 numbers is 60. The larger number is thrice the smaller.

    Let the 2 numbers be x and y, where x is the smaller number and y is the larger number. We are given:
    1. x + y = 60
    2. y = 3x
    Substitute (2) into (1):
    x + (3x) = 60

    Combine like terms:
    4x = 60

    Type 4x = 60 into our search engine, and you get x = 15.

    Substituting x = 15 into Equation (2) above, we get:
    y = 3(15)
    y = 45

    Check our work in Equation (1):
    15 + 45 ? 60
    60 = 60

    Check our work in Equation (2):
    45 ? 15(3)
    45 = 45

    The numbers check out, so our answer is (x, y) = (15, 45)
     

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