SOLUTION: Ajit is three less than twice as old as Marie. If the sum of their ages is 39, determine their ages. Create a complete solution.

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Question 1027768: Ajit is three less than twice as old as Marie. If the sum of their ages is 39, determine their ages. Create a complete solution.
Answer by ikleyn(52800) About Me  (Show Source):
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Ajit is three less than twice as old as Marie. If the sum of their ages is 39, determine their ages. Create a complete solution.
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A = 2M - 3,    (1)    ("Ajit is three less than twice as old as Marie.")
A + M = 39.    (2)    ("the sum of their ages is 39")

Substitute A = 2M -3 from (1) into (2). You will get a single equation for M:

(2M - 3) + M = 39.

Simplify and solve it:

2M - 3 + M = 39,

3M = 39 + 3,

3M = 42,

M = 42%2F3 = 14.

Marie is 14 years. Ajit is 2M -3 = 2*14-3 = 28-3 = 25 years.