SOLUTION: Molly’s age is twice Anita’s. If the sum of the squares of their ages is 80, then translate these words into an algebraic equation to determine their ages?

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons -> SOLUTION: Molly’s age is twice Anita’s. If the sum of the squares of their ages is 80, then translate these words into an algebraic equation to determine their ages?      Log On


   

Question 241607: Molly’s age is twice Anita’s. If the sum of the squares of their ages is 80, then translate these words into an algebraic equation to determine their ages?
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
m+=+2a
m%5E2+%2B+a%5E2+=+80
By substitution,
%282a%29%5E2+%2B+a%5E2+=+80
4a%5E2+%2B+a%5E2+=+80
5a%5E2+=+80
a%5E2+=+16
a+=+4
and, since
m+=+2a
m+=+2%2A4
m+=+8
Molly is 8 and Anita is 4