SOLUTION: Please help me solve this word problem: "Jim and James are brothers. Jim's age is seven less than two times James' age. Their combined age is forty-one. How old are James and Jim?"

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Question 950136: Please help me solve this word problem: "Jim and James are brothers. Jim's age is seven less than two times James' age. Their combined age is forty-one. How old are James and Jim?"
I have tried to set up many equations, which includes 2x-7+x=41, where the variable "x" would equal James' age, but this has not worked.
Thank you.
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, lwsshak3:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x, Jim's age
y, James age
-

Jim's age is seven less than two times James' age.

Their combined age is forty-one.

SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS

Substitute x into the age sum equation,

Simplify,

YOUR equation should still work, no matter which way James and Jims variables were assigned. Your starting equation is good according to how you assigned x for James age. You would get the y value for Jims age.

Answer by lwsshak3(11628) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Please help me solve this word problem: "Jim and James are brothers. Jim's age is seven less than two times James' age. Their combined age is forty-one. How old are James and Jim?"
I have tried to set up many equations, which includes 2x-7+x=41, where the variable "x" would equal James' age, but this has not worked.
***
x=james' age
2x-7=jim's age
2x-7+x=41
3x=48
x=16
2x-7=25
james' age=16
jim's age=25
Nothing wrong with your equation. You are right on track!