document.write( "Question 221517: jim is seven years older than janice. the sum of there wages is 41. how old is each person \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #166286 by likaaka(51)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You must set up a system of equations. Begin by naming your variables ie.
\n" ); document.write( "x is Jim's age &
\n" ); document.write( "y is Janice's age
\n" ); document.write( "If Jim is 7 yrs older than Janice, your first equation is x = y + 7
\n" ); document.write( "If the sum of their ages is 41, then x + y = 41
\n" ); document.write( "Here is your system of equations
\n" ); document.write( "x = y + 7
\n" ); document.write( "x + y = 41
\n" ); document.write( "Now substitute the value of x into the second equation to solve for y
\n" ); document.write( "(y + 7) + y = 41 **the parenthesis aren't needed here but I used them to illustrate the substitution
\n" ); document.write( "Now combine like terms and solve for y
\n" ); document.write( "2y + 7 = 41, subtract 7 from both sides
\n" ); document.write( "2y + 7 - 7 = 41 - 7, simplify
\n" ); document.write( "2y = 34, divide 2 from both sides
\n" ); document.write( "(2y)/2 = 34/2
\n" ); document.write( "y = 17, so Janice is 17 yrs old
\n" ); document.write( "Given x = y + 7 and y = 17, then
\n" ); document.write( "x = 17 + 7
\n" ); document.write( "x = 24, so Jim is 24 yrs old
\n" ); document.write( "
\n" );