Jacob and Isaiah are brothers. Their combined ages are 63. Jacob is 7 years older than Isaiah. How old are each of the boys?

Question

The equation I came up with is 7J + I = 63. But after solving it I got 56 but I  don't actually know how to find the ages for both of them. Please help. :) 

Answer 1

Given:

 

J + I = 63

J = I + 7

 

Solve for I and J.

 

(I + 7) + I = 63

2I + 7 = 63

I = (63 - 7)/2 = 28

J = I + 7 = 28 + 7 = 35

 

J = 35

I = 28