SOLUTION: Janie is 3 years younger then Matt.in five years, the sum of their ages will be 29. Find Janie's age.

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: Janie is 3 years younger then Matt.in five years, the sum of their ages will be 29. Find Janie's age.      Log On


   

Question 1079516: Janie is 3 years younger then Matt.in five years, the sum of their ages will be 29. Find Janie's age.
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let +a+ = Janie's age now
Let +b+ = Matt's age now
----------------------------
(1) +a+=+b+-+3+
(2) +a+%2B+5+%2B+b+%2B+5+=+29+
----------------------------
(1) +a+-+b+=+-3+
(2) +a+%2B+b+=+19+
----------------------
Add the equations
+2a+=+16+
+a+=+8+
and
(2) +a+%2B+b+=+19+
(2) +8+%2B+b+=+19+
(2) +b+=+11+
------------------------
Janie is 8
-------------
check:
(1) +a+=+b+-+3+
(1) +8+=+11+-+3+
(1) +8+=+8+
OK
You can check (2)