One number exceeds another by 3. The sum of the numbers is 31. What are the numbers

Let's assume that the smaller number is x.

Since "One number exceeds another by 3," the larger number would be x + 3.

According to the second statement, "The sum of the numbers is 31," we can create the equation: x + (x + 3) = 31

Simplifying the equation, we get: 2x + 3 = 31

Subtracting 3 from both sides, we find: 2x = 28

Dividing both sides by 2, we obtain: x = 14

So, the smaller number is 14, and the larger number is 14 + 3 = 17.