SOLUTION: I have trouble with this question: The ages of Peter, Margaret and Jack are consecutive odd numbers. The sum of the ages of Peter and Margaret equals Jack�s age before 5 years. Fi

Question 825532: I have trouble with this question:
The ages of Peter, Margaret and Jack are consecutive odd numbers. The sum of the ages of Peter and Margaret equals Jack�s age before 5 years. Find the ages of Peter, Margaret and Jack.
I don't know how to consider the "consecutive odd numbers" but I know the second equation is p + m = j - 5
How do you solve the rest of this problem?
Thank you.
Answer by rothauserc(4718) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let x be the first odd number, then x, x+2, x+4 are the consecutive odd numbers
therefore we have
x +(x+2) -5 = (x+4)
solve for x
2x +2 -5 = x +4
x = 7
The three consecutive ages are 7, 9, 11
check answers
7+9-5 = 11
11 = 11

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