Question 1144314
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Let x be the Maggie's age.


Then the brother's age is  3x - 4.


The total is


    x + (3x-4) = 16.


Simplify and solve for x.


    4x - 4 = 16

    4x     = 16 + 4

    4x     = 20

     x     = 20/4 = 5.


<U>ANSWER</U>.  Maggie is 5 years old.
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Solved.