Question 83516
Leading men. Bob hope was born 2 years after Cark Gable and 2 years before Henry Fonda. In 1951, after all three of the had their birthdays, the sum of their ages was 144. In what years were they born?
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Let Bob Hope's birth year be N

>>...Bob hope was born 2 years after Clark Gable...<<

Therefore Clark Gable's birth year is N-2

>>...Bob hope was born...2 years before Henry Fonda...<<

Therefore Henry Fonda's birth year is N+2.

In 1951, Bob Hope was 1951 - N

in 1951, Clark Gable was 1951 - (N-2) 

1n 1951, Henry Fonda was 1951 - (N+2)

>>...In 1951, after all three of the had their birthdays, 
the sum of their ages was 144...<<

Therefore 


1951 - N + 1951 - (N-2) + 1951 - (N+2) = 144

1951 - N + 1951 - N + 2 + 1951 - N - 2 = 144

                             5853 - 3N = 144

                                   -3N = -5709
  
                                     N = 1903

So Bob Hope was born in 1903.    

>>...Bob hope was born 2 years after Clark Gable...<<

So Clark Gable was born in 1901.

>>...Bob hope was born...2 years before Henry Fonda...<<

So Henry Fonda was born in 1905.

Edwin</pre>