Question 1102065
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Brian is 3 times {{{highlight(cross(older))}}} {{{highlight(cross(than))}}} as old as  Sydney, the sum of their ages is 8. How old is Brian?
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<U>Answer</U>.  &nbsp;&nbsp;Brian is &nbsp;6&nbsp; years.  &nbsp;&nbsp;2 + 6 = 8  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(mental solution, &nbsp;2&nbsp; seconds).


<U>Algebra Solution</U>.


<pre>
Sydney + Brian = 8

S      + B     = 8

S      + 3S    = 8


4S = 8  ====>  S = {{{8/4}}} = 2;  then  B = 3*2 = 6.
</pre>

Solved.