Question 744690
Twice of William's age adds on to Michael's age to make 41.
2w + m = 41
:
William is 3 years older than Michael. 
w = m + 3
:
in the first equation replace w with (m+3)
2(m+3) + m = 41
2m + 6 + m = 41
2m + m = 41 - 6
3m = 35
m = 11{{{2/3}}}
Find w
w = 11{{{2/3}}} + 3
w = 14{{{2/3}}}, a decimal just like you got
:
:
See if that checks out in the 1st equation
2w + m = 41
2(14{{{2/3}}}) + 11{{{2/3}}}
29{{{1/3}}} + 11{{{2/3}}} = 41