The sum of two numbers is 42. the second is 6 times the first

The numbers are 6 and 36

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the two unknown numbers be x and y.

x + y = 42

y is 6 times x. Lets replace y with 6x.

x + 6x = 42

Add like terms.

7x = 42

We want to get x by itself. Since x is being multiplied by 7, we need to divide it by 7. We also need to divide the other side of the equation by 7.

=

The two sevens on the left side cancel each other out, and we are just left with x. Now we just need to do the division on the right side.

x = 6

Now that we know that x = 6, we can plug in 6 to our original equation.

6 + y = 42

We need to get y by itself. Move 6 to the right side. Remember, 'change side, change sign.'

y = 42 - 6

y = 36

Now we have our two numbers, 6 and 36.

6 + 36 = 42