Question 500741
Let {{{ m }}} = Max's age now
Let {{{ k }}} = Kay's age now
given:
(1) {{{ m + k = 25 }}}
(2) {{{ k = 2m - 2 }}} (  Kay is two years less than twice the age of Max. )
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This is 2 equations with 2 unknowns, so it's solvable
Subtract {{{ k }}} from both sides of (2)
(2) {{{ 0 = 2m - k - 2 }}}
Add {{{ 2 }}} to both sides of (2)
(2) {{{ 2m - k = 2 }}}
Now add equations (1) and (2)
(1) {{{ m + k = 25 }}}
(2) {{{ 2m - k = 2 }}}
{{{ 3m = 27 }}}
{{{ m = 9 }}}
and, since
(1) {{{ m + k = 25 }}}
(1) {{{ 9 + k = 25 }}}
(1) {{{ k = 16 }}}
Max is 9