Question 549934
Let {{{a}}} = Beth's age
Let {{{b}}} = Ben's age
given:
{{{ a = b + 26/3 }}}
{{{ a + b = 23 }}}
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by substitution:
{{{ b + 26/3  + b = 23 }}}
{{{ 3b + 26 + 3b = 69 }}}
{{{ 6b = 69 - 26 }}}
{{{ 6b = 43 }}}
{{{ b = 43/6 }}}
Ben is 7 years and 2 months old
check answer:
{{{ a = b + 26/3 }}}
{{{ a = 43/6 + 26/3 }}}
{{{ a = 95/6 }}}
and
{{{ a + b = 23 }}}
{{{ 95/6 + 43/6 = 138/6 }}}
{{{ 95 + 43 = 138 }}}
{{{ 138 = 138 }}}