The sum of two numbers is 260. one number is 4 less the three times the other number.

194 and 66

Step-by-step explanation:

Represent the numbers by a and b.

Then a + b = 260 and a = 3b - 4.

Substitute 3b - 4 for a in the first equation. Then:

3b - 4 + b = 260, and:

4b = 264, which works out to b = 66. If b = 66, then a = 3 (66) - 4 = 194.

The two numbers are 194 and 66.