Andrew, Benjamin, and Charles are brothers. Benjamin is 2 years younger than Andrew. Charles is 4 years younger than Andrew. If their ages add up to 75, how old are the brothers?

Answer 1

Let x be Andrew's age and the equation is as follows:

x + (x - 2) + (x - 4) = 75

The steps for solving x are as follows:

x + x + x - 2 - 4 = 75

3x - 6 = 75

3x - 6 + 6 = 75 + 6

3x = 81

3x / 3 = 81 / 3

x = 27

You can check if this answer is OK by plugging it back into the first equation:

27 + (27 - 2) + (27 - 4) = 75

27 + 25 + 23 = 75

75 = 75