Question 260223
George Washington was born 11 years before Thomas Jefferson. In 1770 Washington’s age was 3 more than 7 times the age of Jefferson in 1748. What was the sum of the two men’s ages in 1750? 
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Equations:
W = J + 11
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Wash in 1770 relating to Jeff in 1748 (which is a difference of 22 years:
W = 7(J-22) + 3
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Simplify the 2nd equation:
W = 7J - 154+3
W = 7J - 151
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System:
W = J+11
W = 7J -151
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Solve:
J+11 = 7J - 151
6J = 162
J = 27 (in 1770)
W = 38 (in 1770)
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In 1750
J = 7 yrs old
W = 18 yrs old
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Sum in 1750  = 25 yrs
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Cheers,
Stan H.