So here is what we know:
- Smaller number = x
- Larger number = 3x - 7
- Sum (Total value after addition) of the numbers = 61
Using what we know, our equation is [tex]3x-7+x=61[/tex] .
Firstly, combine like terms: [tex]4x-7=61[/tex]
Next, add 7 on both sides: [tex]4x=68[/tex]
Next, divide both sides by 4 and the smaller number is [tex]x=17[/tex]
Now to find the larger number, plug 17 into the larger number expression to solve:
[tex]3\times 17-7\\51-7\\44[/tex]
In short, the smaller number is 17 and the larger number is 44.
