Help !! Math 8th

Question

mason is 4 less than twice austin's age , the sum of their ages is 17

how old is mason

and Austin

Answer 1

Let x = Austin's age

Then, 2x - 4 = Mason's age

So, x + (2x-4) = 17

3x - 4 = 17

3x = 21

x = 7

Austin is 7 and Mason is 10.