how old is Michael?

Question

Michael is 4 times as old as brandon and is also 27 years older than brandon

Answer 1

For this question, you need to first set up a system of equations. Let's begin by setting the M to equal Michael's age, and B to equal Brandon's age:

 

4M = B

M + 27 = B

 

At this point, you have two ways you can get the same answer.

 

1) You can do substitution

Simply plug in 4M for B in the second equation, which leaves you with:

 

M + 27 = B

M + 27 = 4M

27/3 = 3M/3

M = 9

 

If you check this answer, you will find the value for B is the same (36) for both equations.

 

2) Subtract the equations from each other

Make sure to consistently subtract each side of each equation as shown below:

 

4M - (M + 27) = B - B

4M - M - 27 = 0

3M - 27 = 0

3M/3 = 27/3

M = 9

 

Note, you came to the same answer! Also, checking this with the initial equations will show you that all the question's limitations were met.