how to do this math problem?

Question

Cody is twice as old as Evan and six years ago the sum of their age was 12. Find the age of each boy now.

 

Cody is ____ years old and Evan is ____ years old

Answer 1

Hi Candice.

 

Let's see what we know

C = Cody's age today

E = Evan's age today

C-6 = Cody's age 6 years ago

E-6 = Evan's age 6 years ago

 

C=2E

(C-6)+(E-6) = 12

 

Let's substitute C=2E in the second equation.

(2E-6) + (E-6) = 12

2E - 6 + E - 6 = 12

3E = 24

E = 8

And

C = 2E = 2(8) = 16