Answer:
The second number is 90.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first statement isn't at all helpful when you start the problem. Three numbers add up to 185. Big deal. Hold that thought for later.
You need a place to start: think about some quantity to assign a variable name (letter) to. Look at the second statement.
The second number is 5 times the first. If x represents the first number, then 5 times that is 5x. So far, you have this:
x = first number
5x = second number
Next: The third number is 13 less than the second number. "13 less than" means to subtract 13 from something. But what? The second number.
5x - 13 = third number
Now the first statement is useful. All three numbers add up to 185.
x + 5x + (5x - 13) = 185
Combine like terms.
11x - 13 = 185
Add 13.
11x = 198
Divide by 11.
x = 18
Wait! Trick question. The problem asks for the second number, not the first.
5x = 5(18) = 90
