Question 1169014
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Very basic algebra: set up the problem exactly the way it is presented.<br>
(1) W = S-3  (W is 3 years younger than S's age)<br>
(2) (W+5)+(S+5) = 19  (In 5 years, the sum of their ages will be 19)<br>
Use (1) to replace "W" in (2) with "S-3"; then solve using basic algebra.<br>
A bit more advanced algebra: read the problem carefully to set up the problem using a single variable.<br>
S = S's age
S-3 = W's age (3 years less than S)
S+5 = S'S age in 5 years
(S-3)+5 = S+2 = W's age in 5 years<br>
The sum of their ages 5 years from now will be 19:<br>
{{{(S+5)+(S+2) = 19}}}<br>
Again solve using basic algebra.<br>
Using logical reasoning (doesn't give you practice with algebra; but it's good brain exercise)<br>
Since the sum of their ages 5 years from now will be 19, the sum of their ages now is 9.<br>
Now simply play with some numbers to find two ages with a sum of 9 in which the difference between the two ages is 3.<br>