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
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