document.write( "Question 936779: Ruby is 5 years older than Paula. She is also 7 years older than Shelly. The sum of their ages is 21. How old is each person? Justify your answer. \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #570263 by 428225(90)\"\" \"About 
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Let x be the unknown age of Shelly
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\n" ); document.write( "x+x+2+x+7=21
\n" ); document.write( "3x+9=21(subtract 9)
\n" ); document.write( "3x=12 (divide by 3)
\n" ); document.write( "x=4
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\n" ); document.write( "Therefore Shelly is 4 years old.
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\n" ); document.write( "Since Shelly is 7 years younger than Ruby and Paula is only 5 years younger than Ruby; Paula is 2 years older than Shelly.
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\n" ); document.write( "Therefore Paula is 6
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\n" ); document.write( "Since Ruby is 7 years older than Shelly, Ruby must be 11.
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