Call the first number x and the second number y.
x = y - 4
2y = 5x - 16
Substitute what x equals from the first equation in the second equation.
2y = 5(y - 4) - 16
2y = 5y - 20 - 16
-3y = -36
y = 12
Now use the first equation for find x.
x = y - 4
x = 12 - 4
x = 8
The numbers are 8 and 12.
Let's check:
8 is 4 less than 12.
Twice 12 is 24.
5 times 8 is 40, and 16 less than 40 is 24.
Our answer is correct.
