Question

the sum of two numbers is the same as four times the smaller number.if twice the larger is decreased by the smaller,the result is 30.find the numbers

Answer 1

let x be the smaller, and y the larger

x+y = 4x

2y - x = 30

solve the two equations.
I would take the first down to y = 3x and use substitution

Answer 2

From the first statement, x + y = 4x, or y = 3x, x being the smaller number.

From the second statement, 2y - x = 30.

Substitute the first into the second and you are on your way.