Answer:
lesser # is 5
other # is 12
Step-by-step explanation:
x = lesser #
x + y = 17
x = 2/3y - 3
let 'y' = 17-x
substitute 'y':
x = 2/3(17-x) - 3
x = 34/3 - 2x/3 - 9/3
add 2x/3 to each side to get:
5x/3 = 25/3
multiply each side by 3/5 to get:
x = 25/5 or 5
5 + y = 17
y = 12
