Question 147349

Let x=Kristen's age;  2x =twice Kristen's age
Then x-2=Kelly's age; 5(x-2)=5 times Kelly's age

2x+5(x-2)=twice Kristen's age increased by 5 times Kelly's age and we are told this equals 53.  So our equation to solve:

2x+5(x-2)=53  get rid of parens (distributive law)
2x+5x-10=53  add 10 to each side

2x+5x-10+10=53+10 collect like terms

7x=63 divide each side by 7

x=9----------------------Kristen's age
x-2=9-2=7--------------Kelly's age

CK
2*9+5*7=53
18+35=53
53=53

Hope this helps---ptaylor