Question 1122338: Sam is 15 years younger than his friend Ben. The total of their ages is 55 years.
a.How old is Sam?
b.How old is Ben? Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, ikleyn:Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) (Show Source):
What the condition says is THIS:
Sam + Ben = 55, (equation 1) ("The total of their ages is 55 years.")
Sam = Ben - 15. (equation 2) ("Sam is 15 years younger than his friend Ben.")
In other words (in Math symbols)
S + B = 55, (1)
S = B - 15. (2)
Now substitute the expression (2) into equation (1), replacing S. You will get a single equation for B
(B-15) + B = 55.
Simplify and solve for B:
2B - 15 = 55
2B = 55 + 15 = 70 ====> B = = 35.
Answer. Ben is 35 years old. Sam is 35 - 15 = 20 years old.
Solved.
Check on your own that the problem conditions are satisfied.
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