The larger of two numbers is 1 more than twice the smaller. The sum of the numbers is 20 less than three times the larger. Find the numbers.

Verified Answer :

  • Define the larger number \(x\) and the smaller number \(y\).
  • Translate the given conditions into two equations: \(x = 2y + 1\) and \(x + y = 3x - 20\).
  • Substitute the first equation into the second to solve for \(y\), yielding \(y = 6\).
  • Use \(y = 6\) to find the larger number \(x = 13\).
  • The final numbers are 13 and 6. \(\boxed{13, 6}\).

Explanation

  1. Analysis of the Problem and Variables

We are looking for two numbers, a larger one and a smaller one. Let \(x\) represent the larger number and \(y\) represent the smaller number. We are given two conditions based on the problem statement:

  1. The larger number is 1 more than twice the smaller: \(x = 2y + 1\).
  2. The sum of the numbers is 20 less than three times the larger: \(x + y = 3x - 20\).

These two equations form a system of equations that we can solve for \(x\) and \(y\).

  1. Solving for the Smaller Number y

To find the values, we can substitute the expression for \(x\) from the first equation into the second equation:
\((2y + 1) + y = 3(2y + 1) - 20\).
First, simplify the left side:
\((2y + 1) + y = 3y + 1\).
Next, simplify the right side by distributing the 3:
\(3(2y + 1) - 20 = 6y + 3 - 20 = 6y - 17\).
Now, set the simplified sides equal to each other:
\(3y + 1 = 6y - 17\).

  1. Finding the Larger Number x and Conclusion

Now we solve the equation \(3y + 1 = 6y - 17\) for \(y\). Subtract \(3y\) from both sides:
\(1 = 3y - 17\).
Add 17 to both sides:
\(18 = 3y\).
Dividing by 3 gives:
\(y = 6\).
Now that we have the value of the smaller number, we can find the larger number \(x\) using the first equation, \(x = 2y + 1\):
\(x = 2(6) + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13\).
The larger number is 13 and the smaller number is 6.

Examples

This problem can be applied in real-world scenarios where you have constraints on multiple resources or quantities. For instance, imagine managing inventory for two types of products. If the amount of product A is related to the amount of product B by a specific formula, and their total sum must meet a target derived from the amount of one of them, setting up a system of linear equations is the perfect way to determine the exact quantities needed. This ensures that all operational requirements are met precisely and efficiently.