Question

The second of two numbers is 6 times the first. The sum is 77. How do you find the numbers?

Answer 1

`a=11`, `b=66`
You should set up two equations.

Explanation:

The second of two numbers is `6` times the first. This means that you must multiply the first number by `6` to get the second number.

`=>` `6a=b`

The sum is 77.

`=>` `a+b=77`

You want to set the equations equal to each other, so subtract `a` from both sides:

`=>` `b=77-a`

Now set them equal:

`=>` `6a=77-a`

Add `a` to both sides:

`=>` `7a=77`

Divide by `7`

`=>` `a=11`

Now plug this into the first equation:

`=>` `6(11)=b` `->` `66=b`

So `a=11` and `b=66`.