Question 1132193
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A solution using two equations with two unknowns, solved by substitution, is of course valid; but it is far more work than necessary for this problem.<br>
Since one of the pieces of given information is that Sarah is 5 times as old as Sam, it is easy to set up a solution using only one unknown:<br>
let x  = Sam's age
then 5x = Sarah's age<br>
2 times Sam's age plus 3 times Sarah's age equals 34:<br>
{{{2(x)+3(5x) = 34}}}
{{{17x = 34}}}
{{{x = 2}}}<br>
ANSWER: Sarah's age is 5x = 10.