EQUATION 2: the sum of the first number and 5 times the second is 144
x + 5y= 144
STEP 1: Solve for one variable in equation 1. x + y= 40 subtract y from both sides x= 40-y
STEP 2: Substitute x=40-y in equation 2. x + 5y= 144 (40-y) + 5y= 144 combine like terms 40 + 4y = 144 subtract 40 from both sides 4y= 104 divide both sides by 4 y= 26 larger number
STEP 3: Substitute y=26 in either equation to solve for x (smaller number). x + 5y= 144 x + 5(26)= 144 x + 130= 144 x= 14 smaller number
CHECK: 14 + 26= 40 40= 40
ANSWER: The smaller number is 14 and the larger number is 26.