------------------------------------------------------------ Define x : ------------------------------------------------------------ Let x be the smaller number. Let y be the larger number.
------------------------------------------------------------ Construct the equations : ------------------------------------------------------------ Three times the larger number is equal to 4 times the smaller ones. ⇒ 3y = 4x
The sum of the numbers is 21 ⇒ x + y = 21
------------------------------------------------------------ Solve for x and y : ------------------------------------------------------------ 3y = 4x -------------------- (1) x + y = 21 ----------------- (2)
------------------------------------------------------------ From equation (2) : ------------------------------------------------------------ x + y = 21 x = 21 - y
------------------------------------------------------------ Substitute x = 21 - y into equation (1) : ------------------------------------------------------------ 4y = 3( 21 - y) 4y = 63 - 3y 7y = 63 y = 9
------------------------------------------------------------ Substitute y = 9 into equation 2 : ------------------------------------------------------------ x + y = 21 x + 9 = 21 x = 21 - 9 x = 12
------------------------------------------------------------ Answer : The two numbers are 9 and 12. ------------------------------------------------------------