Question

The sum of two numbers is fourteen. Using x to represent the larger of the two numbers, translate "the difference between five more than the larger number and three times the smaller number" into a variable expression. Then simplify.

Answer 1

x = larger
y = smaller

x + y = 14

y = 14 - x

5 more than the larger 5 + 14 -x

5 + 14-x - 3x

Now, simplify

19 -4x is the variable expression.