Question 1092807
let r = Richard's present age
let b = his brothers
:
Write an equation for each statement
"The sum of Richards age and his older brothers age is 63."
r + b = 63
" The difference between their age is 13."
r - b = 13
 How old are Richard and his brother? 
We can use elimination with these two equations
r + b = 63
r - b = 13
------------Adding these two equations eliminate b, find r
2r + 0 = 76
r = 76/2
r = 38 yrs is Richard's age
:
Find the b using the 1st equation, replace r with 38
38 + b = 63
b = 63 - 38
b = 25 yrs is brother's age
:
:
:
Check solutions in the 2nd equation
38 - 25 = 13