The larger of two numbers is eight more than three times the smaller number. the sum of the two numbers is forty-eight. find the two numbers.

Let's say the numbers are "a" and "b".

now, let's say "b" is the larger one, so.. what's three times "a"? well, 3*a or 3a.  what's 8 more than that? well, 3a + 8.  Thus, b = 3a + 8

now, we know their sum is 48. thus

a  +  b = 48
a + (3a + 8) = 48   < solve for "a".

Lines that intersect at one point