the larger of the two numbers exceeds three times the smaller number by 4. the sum of twice the larger number and 4 times the smaller number is 58. if x is the smaller number, which equation below determines the correct value of x?

Respuesta :

Let the larger be h and the smaller be x;
h-3x=4
2h+4x=58
This is a pair of simultaneous equations;
Eliminating h by multiplying equation 1 by two;
2h-6x=8
2h+4x=58
Subtracting equation 1 from equation II;
-2x=50
x=-25
The smaller number is -25