Question

The greater of two numbers is 1 less than three times the smaller. If 3 times the greater is 5 more than 8 times the smaller, find the number.

Answer 1

Let the smaller number be S, the greater number be G.

"The greater of two numbers is 1 less than three times the smaller"
G=3S-1 ......(1)

"3 times the greater is 5 more than 8 times the smaller"
3G=8S+5 .......(2)

Solve for G and S.

Answer 2

Try this.
Let x = smaller number
and y = greater number
=============================
3x-1=y
3y=8x+5
solve for x and y.