set up question for word problem

ginny1029

Junior Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2009
Messages
53
the problem reads
The difference between two numbers is 16.
Three times the larger number is seven times the smaller.
What are the numbers

Would the set up be...
Let x = one number
Let y = the other number

x - y = 16
3x = 7y

there should also be a bracket on the left but I dont know how to do that on the internet.

Thanks!!!!
 
ginny1029 said:
the problem reads
The difference between two numbers is 16.
Three times the larger number is seven times the smaller.
What are the numbers

Would the set up be...
Let x = one number
Let y = the other number

x - y = 16.........(1)
3x = 7y............(2)

x - y = 16.........(1)
x = 16 + y ........(3)

Using this result (3) in (2)

3(16 + y) = 7y

48 + 3y = 7y

Solve for 'y' from above. Use that in (3) to solve for 'x'.

Finally use these values of 'x' and 'y' in (1) and (2) to check your result.


there should also be a bracket on the left but I dont know how to do that on the internet. <<< I am not sure what you are trying to say here.

Thanks!!!!
 
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