The larger of the two numbers exceeds three times the smaller number by 4. the sum of twice the larger number and 4 times the smaller number is 58. if x is the smaller number, which equation below determines the correct value of x?

Let the larger be h and the smaller be x;

h-3x=4

2h+4x=58

This is a pair of simultaneous equations;

Eliminating h by multiplying equation 1 by two;

2h-6x=8

2h+4x=58

Subtracting equation 1 from equation II;

-2x=50

x=-25

The smaller number is - 25