Question 707703
Let M = Maria's age
Let R = Orlando's age
Equation 1: {{{M = R - 15}}}
Equation 2: {{{M + R = 29}}}
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Note that equation one is solved for M.
Plug (R - 15) into equation 2 for M
Equation 2: {{{M + R = 29}}}
{{{(R - 15) + R = 29}}}
Combine like terms
{{{2R - 15 = 29}}}
Add 15 to both sides.
{{{2R = 44}}}
Divide both sides by 2.
{{{highlight(R = 22)}}}
Now plug 22 into equation 1 for R
Equation 1: {{{M = R - 15}}}
{{{M = (22) - 15}}}
{{{highlight_green(M = 7)}}}