SOLUTION: Anna is 3 years older than laura. the product of their ages is double the sum of their ages. How old are they? I believe it starts out like this L * (L+3) = 2(L + (L+3))

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Age -> SOLUTION: Anna is 3 years older than laura. the product of their ages is double the sum of their ages. How old are they? I believe it starts out like this L * (L+3) = 2(L + (L+3))      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 400381: Anna is 3 years older than laura. the product of their ages is double the sum of their ages. How old are they?
I believe it starts out like this
L * (L+3) = 2(L + (L+3))
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Hi, Yes! it does.

Anna is 3 years older than laura.

Let x and (x+3)represent Laura's and Anna's ages respectively

Question states***

  x(x+3)= 2[x + (x+3)]

Solving for x

  x^2 + 3x = 4x + 6

  x^2 -x - 6 = 0

factoring

  (x+2)= 0   x = -2, tossing out negative solution for age

  (x-3)= 0   x = 3, Laura's age.  Anna is 6.  (3+3)



CHECKING our Answer***

 3*6 = 2*9 = 18