SOLUTION: Here is the problem: Anna is 3 years older than Laura. The prouduct of their ages are doubled the sum of their ages. How old are they?

Question 919827: Here is the problem: Anna is 3 years older than Laura. The prouduct of their ages are doubled the sum of their ages. How old are they?
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Anna is 3 years older than Laura.
The product of their ages are double the sum of their ages.
How old are they?
Let a = Anna's age
then
(a-3) = Laura's age
:
Product = twice the sum
a(a-3) = 2(a + a-3)
a^2 - 3a = 2(2a - 3)
a^2 - 3a = 4a - 6
Combine to form a quadratic equation
a^2 - 3a - 4a + 6 = 0
a^2 - 7a + 6 = 0
Factors to
(a-6)(a-1) = 0
a = 6, the only solution that makes sense
Anna is 6 yrs old, then Laura is 3 yrs old
;
:
See if that works
6 * 3 = 2(6 + 3)
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