An older person is 6 years older than five times the age of a younger person. The sum of their ages is 18 . Find their ages

Question

word problems

Answer 1

x = age of older person

y = age of younger person

 

x = 5y + 6  [older person is 6 years older than five times the age of a younger person]

x + y = 18  [sum of their ages is 18]

 

Solve the system of 2 equations in 2 unknowns x and y.

 

x = 18 - y

18 - y = 5y + 6

12 = 6y

y = 2

x = 18 - y = 18 - 2 = 16

 

Age of older person:  16

Age of younger person:  2