SOLUTION: Ryan and Nathan’s ages add up to 68 years. If you subtracted their ages, you would get 4. How old is Ryan if he is the older sibling?

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Question 1149793: Ryan and Nathan’s ages add up to 68 years. If you subtracted their ages, you would get 4. How old is Ryan if he is the older sibling?
Answer by ikleyn(52788) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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Solve it this way 

    R + (R-4) = 68.

    2R = 68 + 4 = 72

    R  = 72/2 = 36.    ANSWER

OR this way 

    R + N = 68

    R - N =  4

-------------------  Add the equations and get the same answer

   2R     = 68 + 4 = 72

    R              = 72/2 = 36  years old.