For this, I'm going to make an equation.
x= the bigger number; y= the smaller number;
x=3y-1
y+5=3x
Now, I'm going to make it so the equations equal the same.
3(x=3y-1)
1(3x=5+y)
Now that they are "equal" you can now make them equal each other.
9y-3=5+y Now make y go on one side.
8y=8
y=1
Now plug it into one of the equations to find x.
x=3-1
x=2
Now make sure this makes sense.
The greater of the two numbers (2) is one less than three times the smaller (1 times 3 equals 3).
If three times the greater(6) is five more than the smaller (1).
The numbers are 1 and 2.