Question 333422
Here it is step-by-step, it's not that hard.
:
Let j = Jean's present age
let m = Michael's present age
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Write an equation for each statement
:
"Jean is twice as old as Michael."
j = 2m
:
"The sum of their ages 3 years ago was 45 years."
(j-3) + (m-3) = 45
Simplify
j + m - 6 = 45
j + m = 45 + 6
j + m = 51
:
From the 1st statement equation, replace j with 2m
2m + m = 51
3m = {{{51/3}}}
m = 17 yrs is Michael's present age
then we know j = 2m, therefore
j = 2(17)
j = 34 yrs is Jean's present age
:
:
Prove this using the 2nd statment
"The sum of their ages 3 years ago was 45 years."
(34-3) + (17-3) =
31 + 14 = 45
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Did this make sense to you?