How much gold does the younger brother receive?

Question

Two brothers inherited 25 ounces of gold. They decided to give 4 ounces to charity. Of the remaining gold, the older brother is to receive twice as much as the younger brother.

Answer 1

If they inherited 25 ounces of gold, then gave 4 ounces to charity, then they are left with 21 ounces of gold to divide between the two of them.

 

if x is the #of ounces of gold the younger brother receives and y is the # of ounces the older brother receives, then:

 

total amount of gold is 21, so x + y = 21

older brother receives twice as much as younger: y = 2x

 

then x + 2x = 21 = 3x, so x = # ounces younger brother receives is 7ounces