Math Snap

STEP 1

Assumptions1. Let's denote the smaller number as x.
. Let's denote the larger number as y.
3. We know that the difference between the two numbers is8, which can be written as y - x =8.
4. We also know that three times the smaller number is26 more than the larger number, which can be written as3x = y +26.

STEP 2

First, we need to express one of the variables in terms of the other. From the first equation, we can express y in terms of x.
$$y = x +8$$

STEP 3

Now, substitute the expression for y from the first equation into the second equation.
$$3x = (x +8) +26$$

STEP 4

implify the equation.
$$3x = x +34$$

STEP 5

Subtract x from both sides of the equation to isolate the variable x.
$$3x - x = x +34 - x$$

STEP 6

implify the equation.
$$2x =34$$

STEP 7

Divide both sides of the equation by2 to solve for x.
$$x =34 /2$$

Calculate the value of x.
$$x =34 /2 =17$$So, the smaller number is17.