CommentLet the larger number = x
Let the smaller number = y
Equationsx - y = 3 (1)
1/x + 1/y = 7/10 (2)
Step one solve for y
the common denominator on the left is xy So the left can be written as
Then entire equation becomes
Cross multiply
10*(x + y) = 7 * xy (3)
From the first equation x = 3 +y Put this into (3)
10(3 + y + y) = 7*xy
10(3 + 2y) = 7xy Make the same substitution on the right.10
10(3 + 2y) = 7(3 + y)*y
30 + 20y = 21y + 7y^2 Transfer the left side to the right side.
0 = 7y^2 + 21y - 20y - 30
0= 7y^2 + y - 30 This will factor.
0 = (y - 2)(7y +15)
Step TwoSolve for y
y - 2 = 0
y = 2
or
7y + 15 = 0
7y = - 15
y = - 15/7
y = - 2.1428
Step Three
Solve for x
If y = 2 then
x - y = 3
x - 2 = 3
x = 5
So one of the points is
(5,2) Answer <<<<<<<<<<1st AnswerIf y = - 2 1/7 then
x - - 2 1/7 = 3
x + 2 1/7 = 3 Subtract 2 1/7 from both sides.
x = 3 - (2 1/7)
x = 6/7
So the other point is (6/7, -2 1/7) <<<< 2nd Answer