Mell is twice as old as Jerry. If 16 is subtracted from Mell’s age and 16 is added to Jerry’s age, their ages will be equal. What are their present ages?

Question

Please help! Need by 6/14! thanks!

Answer 1

 

Let J = Jerry's age

Let M = Mary's age = 2J

 

M - 16 = J + 16

 

Substitute 2J for Mary's age

 

2J - 16 = J + 16

2J - J - 16 = 16

J = 16 + 16

J = 32

 

Jerry is 32.

Mary is twice as old as Jerry.

Mary is 2(32) = 64