Hi Ryan,

This is an algebra problem so you need to decide on variable names for the two unknown numbers. I am going to call the first number j and the second k. The first sentence in your problem reads:

Two times one number plus 7 times another number is equal to 17.

Using j and k this is

Two times j plus 7 times k is equal to 17.

Using the mathematical symbols for times, plus and equal to this becomes:

2j + 7k = 17.

Using the second sentence generate a second equation involving j and k. It is then straightforward to convert this second equation into an equation of the form j = an expression involving k. Substitute this for j in the first equation and solve for k.

I hope this helps,
Penny