A value 5 times a smaller number is 1 less than a larger number. their difference is 73

The numbers are 18 and 91

Step-by-step explanation:

You can translate the information to two equations:

a value 5 times a smaller number is 1 less than a larger number

5a = b - 1

their difference is 73

b - a = 73

Then you should merge one equation into the other, thereby eliminating one variable. You can do this any way you want. I choose to rewrite the first equation as:

b = 5a + 1

Now I can write 5a+1 in the second equation at the place where b was:

5a + 1 - a = 73

It is now an equation with only one variable, solve by simplifying

4a = 72

a = 18

Now b can be found using b = 5a + 1

b = 91