john's age is three less than twice tom's age, their total age is 50. what is the age for each of them

Question

the problem sounded weird. did my math teacher made a mistake?

Answer 1

Hi Lucy, let x represent Tom's age. Then, John's age is 2x - 3 (twice Tom's age minus 3). Together their ages equal 50.

 

Equation to solve:

 

x + (2x - 3) = 50

 

3x - 3 = 50

 

3x = 53

 

x = 17 and 2/3 years.

 

Tom's age is 17 and 2/3 years.

 

John's age = 2 * Tom's age - 3

 

John's age = 2 * 17 2/3 - 3, or 32 and 1/3 years.

 

Check:

 

17 2/3 + 32 1/3 = 50

 

50 = 50

 

Questions?