Maggie's brother is 3 years younger than twice her age. The sum of their age is 24. How old is Maggie

Question

Maggie's brother is 3 years younger than twice her age. The sum of their age is 24. How old is Maggie

Answer 1

We know nothing about Maggie's age. THAT is where you assign the variable.

 

Maggie = X

Brother = 2X-3 <--- 3 years younger than twice her age.

 

2x - 3 + x = 24  <--- the sum of their ages is 24

 

3x - 3 = 24

 

3x = 27

 

x = 9

 

Maggie is 9.

Brother is 2*9 - 3 = 18 - 3 = 15