SOLUTION: Please help me solve this word problem. I am having trouble setting up both of the equations. I need to know how many years he has owned each plant, Thanks: Bill has 2 plants

Question 723354: Please help me solve this word problem. I am having trouble setting up both of the equations. I need to know how many years he has owned each plant, Thanks:

Bill has 2 plants that are known for growing an inch taller each year. The total combined height of the plants is 81 inches. 42 years ago, one plant was twice the size as the other plant. How many years has he owned each plant?
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Bill has 2 plants that are known for growing an inch taller each year.
Let the plants be A and B.
----
The total combined height of the plants is 81 inches.
A + B = 81
----
42 years ago, one plant was twice the size as the other plant.
How many years has he owned each plant?
A-42 = 2(B-42)
A-42 = 2B - 84
A - 2B = -42
-------
Solve the system of equations:
A + B = 81
A -2B = -42
----
Subtract and solve for "B":
3B = 123
B = 41 inches
-----
Solve for "A":
A + B = 81
A + 41 = 81
A = 40 inches
====================
Cheers,
Stan H.
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