Question 1181825
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Especially when you are first learning algebra, look for different ways of setting problems up.  There are dozens of ways to set up this problem for solving using formal algebra; different ways of setting the problem up can make big differences in the amount of work required to find the answer.<br>
The solution from the other tutor is fine -- but it translates the given information directly into equations, which leads to a solution requiring much more work than necessary.<br>
Here is how I would set this problem up.<br>
Do some simple mental work with the given information to make it easier to use:<br>
"Five years ago, the sum of their ages was 28."<br>
So now the sum of their ages is 28+10=38.<br>
Since Carmen is 12 years older than David, let their ages be x+12 and x.  Then<br>
(x+12)+x=38
2x+12=38
2x=26
x=13<br>
ANSWER: Carmen's age is x+12=25<br>