One number is 4 less than 3 times another. their sum is -16. find the smaller

x = -13, y = -3

Step-by-step explanation:

let a number = x; the other = y

x = 3y - 4

x + y = -16

Isolate the y in the second equation. Subtract x from both sides

x (-x) + y = -16 (-x)

y = -16 - x

Plug in -16 - x for y

x = 3(-16 - x) - 4

Simplify. Distribute 3 to all terms within the parenthesis

x = -3x - 48 - 4

x = -3x - 52

Isolate the x. Add 3x to both sides

x (+3x) = -3x (+3x) - 52

4x = -52

Divide 4 from both sides

(4x)/4 = (-52)/4

x = -52/4

x = -13

Plug in -13 for x in one of the equations:

x + y = -16

(-13) + y = -16

Isolate the x. Add 13 to both sides

y - 13 (+13) = -16 (+13)

y = -16 + 13

y = -3

Answers: x = -13, y = -3

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