for two consecutive numbers, the sum of the smaller number plus twice the lage number is 38. what are the numbers?

S+2L=38

but S=L-1

L-1+2L=38
3L=39
you finish it.

To solve this problem, let's break it down step by step.

First, let's express the problem with variables. Let's call the smaller number "x" and the larger number "x + 1" since they are consecutive numbers.

According to the problem, the sum of the smaller number (x) plus twice the larger number (2 * (x + 1)) is 38.

So, we can set up the equation: x + 2 * (x + 1) = 38.

Now, let's solve the equation:

x + 2 * x + 2 = 38
3x + 2 = 38
3x = 36
x = 36 / 3
x = 12

Therefore, the smaller number is 12.

To find the larger number, we can substitute the value of x into the expression x + 1:

x + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13

Therefore, the larger number is 13.

So, the two consecutive numbers are 12 and 13.