I am trying to figure out how to write the equation to solve: the first number is 5 less than the second number. Four times the first number plus 5 times the second number is 74. Find the numbers
There are two numbers involved, let's call them x and y (x=first y=second).
Let's look at the information involved. The first number is 5 less than the second. So, X=Y-5. Four times the first number plus 5 times the second number is 74. So we can deal with just one variable, which will be Y, we can insert the expression y-5 for x. So, the equation would look like: 4(y-5)+5Y=74 Let's solve.
We need to multiply the parenthesis first. 4y-20+5Y=74 Now add like terms. 9Y-20=74 We need Y by itself, so lets add 20 to both sides. 9Y=94 Let's divide. 10 4/9=Y Since the first number is five less, it is 5 4/9. Let's check by putting it through the equation. 4(5 4/9)+5(10 4/9)= 21 7/9+52 2/9 73+1=74
