One number is less than a second number. twice the secind number is less 16 less than 4 times the first. find the smaller of two numbers

The smaller number is 11

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is

One number is 3 less than a second number. Twice the second number is 16 less than 4 times the first. Find the smaller of two numbers

Let

x and y the numbers

x=y-3 > equation A

2y=4x-16 > equation B

Substitute equation A in equation B and solve for y

2y=4(y-3)-16

2y=4y-12-16

4y-2y=12+16

2y=28

y=14

x=14-3=11

a negative exponent is translated as follows:

so, we have