Paul is six years older than Matt. One year ago, the sum of their ages was 16. How old is Matt now?

Question

Paul is six years older than Matt. One year ago, the sum of their ages was 16. How old is Matt now?

Answer 1

P=M+6

P-1 + M-1 = 16

P+M =16+2 =18

M+6 +M =18

2M = 18-6

M = 12/2 = 6 years old now for Matt

P= 6+6 = 12 years old now for Paul

1 year ago they were 5 and 11, which sum to 16