Let's solve the problem step by step:
Let the smaller number be 'x' and the greater number be 'y'.
Given information:
- The sum of two numbers is 40: x + y = 40.
- The greater number is thrice the smaller number: y = 3x.
We can form two equations based on the given information:
Equation 1: x + y = 40 Equation 2: y = 3x
Substitute y = 3x from Equation 2 into Equation 1: x + 3x = 40
Combine like terms: 4x = 40
Divide both sides of the equation by 4: x = 40 / 4
Simplify: x = 10
Substitute x = 10 into Equation 2 to find the value of y: y = 3(10)
Simplify: y = 30
Therefore, the smaller number is 10 and the greater number is 30.
