Question 5422
Let x = Sue's age
x+6 = Leah's age
x+6 + 5 = John's age


Sum of their ages= 
x + (x+6) + (x+6+5) = 41
3x +17 = 41


Subtract 17 from each side:
3x + 17 - 17 = 41 - 17
3x = 24


Divide both sides by 3:
x= 8 Sue's age
x+6 = 14 Leah's age
x + 11 = 19 = John's age


Check:  Sum of their ages = 8+14+19 = 41


R^2 at SCC