Michael is six more than three times Julia‘s age. Marcus is five less than four times Julia‘s age. Solve to find out Julia‘s age.

Question

Can someone help me I’m a bit overwhelmed and I’m think I’m overthinking about this but I need help with this problem. I need to find a solution to this ASAP. Thank you :)

Answer 1

Mi = 6+ 3J

Ma=-5 + 4J

You have 3 unknowns but only 2 equations. There's an infinite number of solutions

Michael is 6 more then 3J

Marcus is 4J-5

Let Mi =66, then 66=3J+6

60=3J

J = 20

Then Ma = 4(20)-5 = 80-5=75

But that's just one solution out of an infinite number

Let Mi = 36, then 36=3J+6, J=10

Marcus is 4J-5=40-5=35

J>0 so Mi>6 and Ma>-5, but Ma>0 so J>5/4

making Mi>6 1/4

So we know J> 1 1/4 years old

Ma probably <100 which means 4J-5<100 so J<105/4 = 26 1/4

1 1/4 < J < 26 1/4

That narrows it down a little bit

Julia is more than a year old and no more than about mid 20's