Math Problem Statement

The sum of two numbers is 132. If one-third of the smaller exceeds one-sixth of the larger by 8, find the numbers.

Solution

We are given the following information:

  1. The sum of two numbers is 132.
  2. One-third of the smaller number exceeds one-sixth of the larger number by 8.

Let:

  • xx be the smaller number.
  • yy be the larger number.

From the given information, we can write two equations:

Equation 1:

x+y=132x + y = 132

Equation 2:

x3=y6+8\frac{x}{3} = \frac{y}{6} + 8

We can solve this system of equations step-by-step.

Step 1: Solve Equation 1 for yy

y=132xy = 132 - x

Step 2: Substitute y=132xy = 132 - x into Equation 2

x3=132x6+8\frac{x}{3} = \frac{132 - x}{6} + 8

Step 3: Multiply through by 6 to eliminate the denominators

2x=132x+482x = 132 - x + 48

Step 4: Simplify and solve for xx

2x+x=132+482x + x = 132 + 48 3x=1803x = 180 x=1803=60x = \frac{180}{3} = 60

Step 5: Substitute x=60x = 60 back into Equation 1 to find yy

60+y=13260 + y = 132 y=13260=72y = 132 - 60 = 72

Thus, the two numbers are:

  • The smaller number x=60x = 60
  • The larger number y=72y = 72

Would you like more details, or do you have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. Can you derive other possible systems of equations from a similar problem?
  2. How would the solution change if one-third of the smaller number exceeded one-sixth of the larger by 10 instead of 8?
  3. What if the sum of the two numbers was a different value, say 150? How would you approach the problem?
  4. Can you verify the solution by substituting the values back into both equations?
  5. How does solving a system of equations graphically differ from solving it algebraically?

Tip:

When solving systems of equations, always check your solutions by substituting the values back into the original equations to verify accuracy.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Systems of Equations

Formulas

x + y = 132
x/3 = y/6 + 8

Theorems

Solving Systems of Equations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9