The sum of two numbers is 72. The larger number is 3 less than 3 times the smaller number. Find the smaller number.
A) $\frac { 75 } { 2 }$
B) 213
C) $\frac { 213 } { 4 }$
D) $\frac { 75 } { 4 }$

Question

The sum of two numbers is 72. The larger number is 3 less than 3 times the smaller number. Find the smaller number. 
A) $\frac { 75 } { 2 }$
B) 213
C) $\frac { 213 } { 4 }$
D) $\frac { 75 } { 4 }$

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Let the smaller number be $x$ and the larger number be $y$. According to the problem, $x + y = 72$ and $y = 3x - 3$. Substituting the second equation into the first gives $x + 3x - 3 = 72$, leading to $4x = 75$, so $x = \frac{75}{4}$.

The Sum of Two Numbers Is 72 752\frac { 75 } { 2 }275​

The Sum of Two Numbers Is 72 $\frac { 75 } { 2 }$