SOLUTION: Christina is 2 years younger than Paul. Paul is 6 years younger than Jane. Together their ages total 40 years. How old is each child?

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Question 1107671: Christina is 2 years younger than Paul. Paul is 6 years younger than Jane. Together their ages total 40 years. How old is each child?



Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, ikleyn:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39613) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Variables standing for their names,

system%28c=p-2%2Cp=j-6%2Cc%2Bj%2Bp=40%29
Solve the system.

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system%28c=p-2%2Cj=p%2B6%29

Substitute for those:
%28p-2%29%2B%28p%2B6%29%2Bp=40-------one equation in just ONE unknown, p.
.
.

Answer by ikleyn(52751) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
Christina + Paul + Jane = 40


(P-2)     + P    + (P+6) = 40


3P +4 = 40  ====>  3P = 40-4 = 36  ====>  P = 36%2F3 = 12.


Answer.  Paul is 12, Christina is 10, Jane is 12+6 = 18 years old.


Check.   12 + 10 + 18 = 40.   ! Correct !


Forget about systems of equations. There is no any need in it for so simple problem.