Solving a word problem with two unknowns using a linear equation

Question

Devaughn is 15 years older than Sydney. The sum of their ages is 59. What is Sydney's age?

Answer 1

Let S = Sydney's age then D = Devaughn's age = S + 15

The S + (S + 15) = 59 or 2S = 44 and S = 22 years old

and D = 37 years old