The number y is 2 more than 4 times another number x. Their sum is 37. Find x and y.

y = 4x +2

 

x +y = 37

 

x    +    4x+2    = 37

5x = 35     x = 7      then y = 30

In this case you can read the math right in the sentence. Where you see "is" substitute "=", where you see "more" substitute "+" and times is multiplication. So, Y is 2 more than 4 times X becomes Y = 2 + 4X

 

The second part if straight forward. Their sum is 51. X+Y=37.

 

Now substitute 2+ 4X for Y in the second equation.

 

X + 2 + 4X = 37 Combine like terms.

 

5X + 2 = 37 Subtract 2 from both sides.

 

5X = 35 Divide both sides by 5.

 

X=7 Substitute 7 for X into either equation to get that Y =30