Question 440871
Write an equation for each statement:
:
The combined ages of Jerry and Joan is 43.
je + jo = 43
:
The combined ages of Jerry and Charlie is 55.
je + ch = 55
:
The combined ages of Joan and Charlie is 66. 
jo + ch = 66
ch = (66-jo)
:
Replace ch with (66-jo) in the 2nd equation
je + (66-jo) = 55
je - jo = 55 - 66
je - jo = -11
Add this equation to the 1st equation
je - jo = -11
je + jo = 43
-----------------adding eliminates jo, find je
2je = 32
je = {{{32/2}}}
je = 16 yrs is Jerry's age
then
16 + jo = 43
jo = 43 - 16
jo = 27 yrs is Joan's age
and
ch = 66 - 27
ch = 39 yrs is Charlie's age
:
:
Check solutions in each statement:
The combined ages of Jerry and Joan is 43.
16 + 27 = 43
 The combined ages of Jerry and Charlie is 55.
16 + 39 = 55
The combined ages of Joan and Charlie is 66.
27 + 39 = 66