To find the smaller of two numbers whose sum is 184, where one-third of the one exceeds one-seventh of the other by 8, we can use the following steps:
Let the two numbers be represented by the variables x and y, where y is equal to 184 - x.
Set up the equation (x/3) - (y/7) = 8.
Substitute y with 184 - x to obtain (x/3) - ((184 - x)/7) = 8.
Simplify the equation to obtain 7x - 3(184 - x) = 168.
Simplify the equation to obtain 10x = 720.
Solve the equation to obtain x = 72.
The two numbers are x and 184 - x, which are equal to 72 and 112, respectively.
The smaller number is x, which is equal to 72.