Question 1202434
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Tim and Tala are brother and sister. Their ages total 36. 
The difference between twice Tala's age and Tim's age is 12. Find their ages.
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x = Tim's age; y = Tala's age.


Equations

   2y - x = 12

    y + x = 36.


Add equations

   3y     = 12 + 36 = 48  --->  y = 48/3 = 16.


Tala is 16 years old.

Tim is 36 - 16 = 20 years old.
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Solved.