One number is four less than a second number. Four times the first is 14 more than 5 times the second. Find the numbers.
Let the numbers be x and y.
one number is four less than a second number ==> x = y - 4 . (1)
4x the first is 14 more than 5x the second ==> 4x = 5y + 14 . (2)
We will use substitution. Plug equation (1) into (2):
4(y - 4) = 5y + 14
4y - 16 = 5y + 14
-y = 30
The numbers are 30 and 26.