Question 841636
Jack was 9 years older than Phil. Together their ages totaled 153 years. What was their ages?

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J = jack's age
P = phil's age


"Jack was 9 years older than Phil" ---> {{{J = P + 9}}}


"Together their ages totaled 153 years" ----> {{{J + P = 153}}}



{{{J + P = 153}}}


{{{P+9 + P = 153}}}


{{{2P + 9 = 153}}}


{{{2P = 153 - 9}}}


{{{2P = 144}}}


{{{P = 144/2}}}


{{{P = 72}}}


So Phil is 72 years old.


{{{J = P+9}}}


{{{J = 72+9}}}


{{{J = 81}}}


and Jack is 81 years old.