I have two questions for the same problem I need help with. The sum of 2 numbers is 56. The smaller number is 1/3 the bigger one. If x is the smaller one an equation for the numbers is:

a)x-y=56
b)xy=56
c)x/y=56
d)x+y=56
I want to say the answer's c but I'm not sure.

Another equation is:
a)x=y+3
b)x=y-3
c)x=1/3y
d)x=3y
I'm pretty sure d is the correct answer for this one, but I'm just checking.

If the sum of x and y is 56, then
x+y=56 must be one of the equations.

If 1/3 of the larger one is the smaller one, then 1/3(y) = x.

1 answer

x + y = 56 ----- equation 1
x = 3y ----- equation 2

substitute, x in equation 2 to equation 1

3y + y = 56
y = 56/4
y = 14
then,x = 42