twice the larger of two numbers is 3 more than 5 times the smaller , and the sum of 4 times the larger and 3 times the smaller is 71 . what are the numbers ?  Pick one.
A) 21 , 12 B) 9 , 0 C) 15 , 6 D) 10 , 1 E) 14 , 5

Rationale: the larger number : x the smaller number : y twice the larger : 2 x three more than five times the smaller : 5 y + 3 relationship between ( ` ` is ' ' ) : 2 x = 5 y + 3 four times the larger : 4 x three times the smaller : 3 y relationship between ( ` ` sum of ' ' ) : 4 x + 3 y = 71 now i have two equations in two variables : 2 x = 5 y + 3 4 x + 3 y = 71 i will solve , say , the first equation for x : x = ( 5 / 2 ) y + ( 3 / 2 ) then i ' ll plug the right - hand side of this into the second equation in place of the ` ` x ' ' : 4 [ ( 5 / 2 ) y + ( 3 / 2 ) ] + 3 y = 71 10 y + 6 + 3 y = 71 13 y + 6 = 71 13 y = 65 y = 65 / 13 = 5 now that i have the value for y , i can solve for x : x = ( 5 / 2 ) y + ( 3 / 2 ) x = ( 5 / 2 ) ( 5 ) + ( 3 / 2 ) x = ( 25 / 2 ) + ( 3 / 2 ) x = 28 / 2 = 14 answer : e
Answer: E