Elaine is 8 years younder than her brother Tyler. The sum of their ages is 34. Define a variable and then write and solve an equation

Question

my question is, how to solve both their ages. it doesn’t make sence to me

Answer 1

Let T = Tyler's age

Then E is Elaine's age = T - 8

E + T = the sum of their ages = 34

Substitute:

(T - 8) + T = 34

Collect:

2T - 8 = 34

Add 8 to each side

2T = 42 => T = 21 and then E = T - 8 = 13

Take these values and make sure they work in the original problem.