Question

Question #cb6b4

Answer 1

smaller number (a): 5.5
bigger number (b): 17.5

Explanation:

The trick with these sorts of question is translating all the messy words into maths.

difference between two numbers is 12: `b-a=12`

larger number + 5`times` smaller number =45: `b+5a=45`

Now rearrange an equation so it's in terms of one variable, and substitute into the other equation:

`b=12+a`

Sub this value for `b` into the other equation and solve for `a`:

`(12+a)+5a=45`
`12+6a=45`
`6a=33`
`a=33/6` or `5.5`

Now put this value for `a` back into the first equation, `b-a=12`
`b-5.5=12`
`b=17.5`