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)![]() ![]() ![]() 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( " |