Question 12255
  
    Let the age of Mr.Jones  =  x
 
    So, the age of his wife  =  x-4    (wife is younger by 4 years)
  
    and the age of his son   =  x-31   (son is younger by 31 years)
 
    Sum of their ages  =  x + (x-4) + (x-31) =  82
 
    =  x + x - 4 + x - 31  =  82      (By removing the brackets)
 
    =  3x - 35 = 82
 
    =  3x = 117    (By adding 35 both the sides)

    =  x = {{{117/3}}} = 39
  
    So the age of Mr.Jones = 39 yrs.    |
    the age of his wife = 39-4 = 35 yrs.|
    and the age his son = 39-31 = 8 yrs.|  Answer.



   gsm