SOLUTION: The sum of the ages of a man and his son is 68 years. The difference in their ages is 27 years. What is the son's age.

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Age -> SOLUTION: The sum of the ages of a man and his son is 68 years. The difference in their ages is 27 years. What is the son's age.      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 983923: The sum of the ages of a man and his son is 68 years. The difference in their ages is 27 years. What is the son's age.
Answer by macston(5194) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
M=man's age; S=son's age
.
M-S=27 years
M=S+27 years Use this to substitute for M below.
.
M+S=68 years Substitute for M from above.
S+27yrs+S=68yrs
2S=41yrs
S=20.5 yrs
ANSWER: The son is 20.5 years old.
.
CHECK:
M=S+27yrs=20.5yrs+27yrs=47.5yrs
The man is 47.5 years old.
.
M+S=68 years
47.5yrs+20.5yrs=68 yrs
68yrs=68yrs