Jack was 19 years older than Priscilla. Together their ages totaled 167 years. What were their ages?

Question

In unsure hie to solve this problem. I am very bad at math. Especially word problems. Can you please help me?

Answer 1

Katie, Let x=Priscilla's age and Let x+19=Jack's age.  Their ages together =167 years. Set equation:  x+x+19=167,  2x+19=167, subtract 19 from both sides, 2x=148, divide both sides by 2, x=74, so 74 is Priscilla's age, and 74+19=93 is Jack's age.

Answer 2

Take the word problem and underline key words:    Let X=the youngest, (Priscilla's age)

    

     J   =   X+19                                          Sum (add)              (add)

Jack was 19 years older than Priscilla.  Together their ages totaled 167 years.  What were their ages?

 

Jack + Priscilla=  167                   J+P=167      Now use substitution

 

(X+19)  +  X=167

 

2X+19=167     Now solve for "X."     Then use equations below to find Jack and Priscilla's ages:

 

 

J=X+19              P=X