SOLUTION: mary is half as old as joseph. the sum of their ages is 51. how old are they now?

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Question 944760: mary is half as old as joseph. the sum of their ages is 51. how old are they now?
Answer by macston(5194) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
M is Mary's age. J is Joseph's age
J=2M; J+M=51 Substitute first equation for J in second equation
2M+M=51
3M=51 Divide by 3
M=17 ANSWER 1: Mary is 17
J=2M
J=2(17)
J=34 ANSWER 2: Joseph is 34
CHECK
M+J=51
17+34=51
51=51