the difference of two numbers is 27....

[kittiecs]

the difference of two numbers is 27. the second number is 1 less than 3 times the first. what are the two numbers?

How would I start to figure this out.
thank you

 

[TchrWill]

the difference of two numbers is 27. the second number is 1 less than 3 times the first. what are the two numbers?

x - y = 27

y = 3x - 1

I suspect you can take it from here.

 

[Denis]

the difference of two numbers is 27. the second number is 1 less than 3 times the first. what are the two numbers?
How would I start to figure this out.
thank you

Hmmm...there's 2 answers (positive and negative);
since you're apparently learning this stuff, I presume the positive answer
is what's expected; re-word your problem this way:
The difference of two numbers is 27.
The larger number is 1 less than 3 times the smaller.
What are the two numbers?

Let x = larger, y = smaller ; then:
x - y = 27 [1]
x = 3y - 1 [2]

Substitute [2] in [1]: if you don't know what that means,
you need classroom help.