Michelle’s age is 10 years less than 5 times Sarahs age. If the sum of their ages is 44 years find their ages

Question

Need the equation and the solution

Answer 1

Hi Heather;  From the information given we can make

two equations and then solve the system.

 

Let m = Michelle's age

Let s = Sarah's age

 

m = 5s - 10   {equation 1}

m + s = 44    {equation 2}

 

In 2nd equation replace m with 5s - 10

and we can solve for s to find Sarah's age:

5s - 10 + s = 44

6s - 10 = 44

6s = 54

s = 9

 

Sarah is 9 years old

 

m = 5s - 10 = 45-10 = 35 years old for Michelle