One number exceeds another by 3. The sum of the numbers is 31. What are the numbers

1 answer

Let's assume that the smaller number is x.

Since "One number exceeds another by 3," the larger number would be x + 3.

According to the second statement, "The sum of the numbers is 31," we can create the equation: x + (x + 3) = 31

Simplifying the equation, we get: 2x + 3 = 31

Subtracting 3 from both sides, we find: 2x = 28

Dividing both sides by 2, we obtain: x = 14

So, the smaller number is 14, and the larger number is 14 + 3 = 17.