Two numbers have a sum of 18, and 4 times the first number minus the second number is equal to 17. What is the smallest number?

The smallest number is 7

Step-by-step explanation:

Using simultaneous equation;

x+y = 18(1)

4x-y = 17(2)

from equation (1)..

x+y = 18

y = 18-x...(3)

substitute y into equation (2)

4x-y = 17

4x-(18-x) = 17

4x-18+x = 17

4x+x = 17+18

5x = 35

x = 35÷5

x = 7

substitute x into equation (3)

y = 18-x

y = 18-7

y = 11

Therefore; x=7

y=11

11+7=18

(4×7)-11=17

the smallest number is 7

5=812a+9+3

step 1: simplify both sides of the equation.

5=812a+9+3

5=(812a)+(9+3)(combine like terms)

5=812a+12

5=812a+12

step 2: flip the equation.

812a+12=5

step 3: subtract 12 from both sides.

812a+12−12=5−12

812a=−7

step 4: divide both sides by 812.

812a /812 = -7/812

a= -1/116

so the answer is

a=   -1/116