the larger of two numbers is twice the smaller . if the sum of the two numbers is 48, find the numbers

48=2x+x

x=smaller number
2x=larger number

48=3x
16=x

so x=16
2x=32

To solve this problem, we can use algebraic equations:

Let's assume the smaller number as "x".
According to the problem statement, the larger number is twice the smaller, so the larger number would be 2x.

Now, we are given that the sum of the two numbers is 48. So we can write the equation:

x + 2x = 48

Combining like terms:
3x = 48

To isolate x, we can divide both sides of the equation by 3:

x = 48/3
x = 16

Therefore, the smaller number is 16.

To find the larger number, we can substitute the value of x back into the equation:

Larger number = 2x = 2(16) = 32

So, the larger number is 32.

In conclusion, the smaller number is 16 and the larger number is 32.