SOLUTION: Beth is two years older than Julio. Gerald is twice as old as Beth. Debra is twice as old as Gerald. The sum of their ages is 38. How old is Beth?

Question 427513: Beth is two years older than Julio. Gerald is twice as old as Beth. Debra is twice as old as Gerald. The sum of their ages is 38. How old is Beth?
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
write an equation for each statement:
"Beth is two years older than Julio."
B = J+2
:
" Gerald is twice as old as Beth."
G = 2B
:
" Debra is twice as old as Gerald."
D = 2G
:
" The sum of their ages is 38."
B + J + G + D = 38
:
Looking at these equation, it's apparent we can get all in terms of B
B = J + 2
J = B-2
:
G = 2B
:
D = 2G
Replace G with 2B
D = 2(2B)
D = 4b
:
So we have:
B + (B-2) + 2B + 4B = 38
8B = 38 + 2
8B = 40
B = 5 yrs is Beth's
:
I'll let you find the other ages

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