Question 101069
 
a. DEFINE THE VARIABLES:
Let x=Emily's age
Then x+2=Samantha's age
And x+4=Lauren's age

b.  WRITE EQUATION:
Now we are told that:
x+x+2+x+4=42 or

c.  SOLVE THE EQUATION:
x+x+2+x+4=42 simplify
3x+6=42  subtract 6 from both sides
3x+6-6=42-6  collect like terms
3x=36  divide both sides by 3

x=12-------------------------------Emily's age
x+2=12+2=14------------------------------Samantha's age
x+4=12+4=16--------------------------------Lauren's age

CK

12+14+16=42
42=42


Hope this helps----ptaylor