Respuesta :

Let the smaller number be x .

Then the larger number = 3x

Their sum = -10

This can be written in an equation as :-

[tex]x + 3x = - 10[/tex]

[tex]4x = - 10[/tex]

[tex]x = \frac{ - 10}{ \: \: \: 4} [/tex]

[tex]x = - 2.5[/tex]

Which means :-

The value of the first number = -2.5

The value of the second number = -2.5 × 3 = -7.5

Therefore , the smaller of the two numbers is = -7.5

Answer:

let a + b = -10

where a = 3b

substitute a into the equation: a + b = -10

3b + b = -10

b = -10 / 4

b = -2.5

a = 3b

a = 3(-2.5)

a = -7.5

check:

a + b = -10

-7.5 + (-2.5) = 10

-10 = 10