Question 581891
x = bella's age, y = brother's age


y = x+9
x + y = 19


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x+y = 19


x+(x+9) = 19


x+x+9 = 19


2x+9 = 19


2x = 19-9


2x = 10


x = 10/2


x = 5

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y = x+9


y = 5+9


y = 14


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So the answers are x = 5 and y = 14



So Bella is <font color="red">5</font> years old and her brother is 14 years old


Check:


1) Make sure that her brother is indeed 9 years older. This is true since 14-5 = 9 (ie this shows that her brother is truly 9 years older)


2) Make sure their ages add to 19. So 5 + 14 = 19, which is also true


So both checks pass, which verify the answer.