SOLUTION: Jordan is 3 years less than twice the age of his cousin. If their ages total 48, how old is Jordan? a. 12 b. 31 c. 17 d. 15

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Question 1153772:
Jordan is 3 years less than twice the age of his cousin. If their ages total 48, how old is Jordan?
a.
12
b.
31
c.
17
d.
15
Found 3 solutions by josgarithmetic, ikleyn, greenestamps:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39618)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Jordan, j
Cousin, c





If sum of their ages is 48 then




Answer by ikleyn(52792)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

Let x = the cousin's age.

Then the Jordan age is (2x - 3) years, according to the condition.


Also you have

    x + (2x-3) = 48   years in total.


    x + 2x = 48 + 3

    3x     = 51

     x     = 51/3 = 17.


The cousin age is 17.


Hence, Jordan is 2*17-3 = 34-3 = 31 years old.      ANSWER

Solved.


Answer by greenestamps(13200)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!


The algebraic solutions from the other tutors are fine; and you should know how to do them.

But if an algebraic solution is not required, then solving the problem using logical reasoning and simple arithmetic can be good mental exercise.

(1) Add 3 to Jordan's age so that he is EXACTLY twice as old as his cousin; that makes the sum of their ages 48+3 = 51.
(2) Divide the total 51 into two parts in the ratio 2:1 to get 34 and 17.
(3) Subtract off the "extra" 3 years you added to Jordan's age to get their real ages of 31 and 17.
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