SOLUTION: Brian is 3 times older than Sydney, the sum of their ages is 8. How old is Brian?

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Question 1102065: Brian is 3 times older than Sydney, the sum of their ages is 8. How old is Brian?
Found 2 solutions by ikleyn, josgarithmetic:
Answer by ikleyn(52832) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
Brian is 3 times highlight%28cross%28older%29%29 highlight%28cross%28than%29%29 as old as Sydney, the sum of their ages is 8. How old is Brian?
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Answer.   Brian is  6  years.   2 + 6 = 8     (mental solution,  2  seconds).

Algebra Solution. 

Sydney + Brian = 8

S      + B     = 8

S      + 3S    = 8


4S = 8  ====>  S = 8%2F4 = 2;  then  B = 3*2 = 6.

Solved.


Answer by josgarithmetic(39623) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
b Brian
x Sidney
"Brian is THREE TIMES OLDER THAN Sidney,..."
system%28b=x%2B3x=4x%2Cb%2Bx=8%29

b=4x
b=4%288-b%29
b=32-4b
b%2B4b=32
5b=32
b=32%2F5
b=6%262%2F5 NOT a whole number