The larger of two numbers is 1 less than 8 times the smaller. Their sum is 179. Find the numbers

Let L represent the larger.

Let S represent the smaller.

"The larger is 1 less than 8 times the smaller"   --->   L  =  8S - 1

"Their sum is 179"   --->   L + S  =  179

Substitute:             --->   (8S - 1) + S  =  179

                             --->   9S - 1  =  179

                             --->   9S  =  180

                             --->   S  =  20

Since L + S = 179   --->   L + 20  =  179   --->   L  = 159