Question 581891: Bella's brother is 9 years older than Bella. Their ages add up to 19. How old is Bella?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! x = bella's age, y = brother's age
y = x+9
x + y = 19
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x+y = 19
x+(x+9) = 19
x+x+9 = 19
2x+9 = 19
2x = 19-9
2x = 10
x = 10/2
x = 5
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y = x+9
y = 5+9
y = 14
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So the answers are x = 5 and y = 14
So Bella is 5 years old and her brother is 14 years old
Check:
1) Make sure that her brother is indeed 9 years older. This is true since 14-5 = 9 (ie this shows that her brother is truly 9 years older)
2) Make sure their ages add to 19. So 5 + 14 = 19, which is also true
So both checks pass, which verify the answer.
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