SOLUTION: Ricardo is 4 years less than twice as old as his sister. The sum of their ages is 20. How old is Ricardo?

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Evaluation -> SOLUTION: Ricardo is 4 years less than twice as old as his sister. The sum of their ages is 20. How old is Ricardo?      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com
Ad: Algebrator™ solves your algebra problems and provides step-by-step explanations!
Ad: Algebra Solved!™: algebra software solves algebra homework problems with step-by-step help!

   

Question 68195: Ricardo is 4 years less than twice as old as his sister. The sum of their ages is 20. How old is Ricardo?
Answer by gsmani_iyer(178) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Let sister's age = x

So, Ricardo's age = 2x-4 (Given)

The sum of the ages = x + 2x - 4 = 20 (Given)

= 3x - 4 = 20

= 3x = 20 + 4 = 24

= x = 24/3 = 8.

So the sister's age = 8 yrs.
and Ricardo's age = (2*8)-4 = 16-4 = 12 yrs. Answer.