Math verbal problem 3

Question

1. Juan is five year older than Miguel. And Juan have half the age of Pedro. Find the ages

Answer 1

j=5+m juan is 5 years older than miguel

j=p/2 juan is half pedro's age

2 equations 3 unknowns

there is no unique solution

there are other restrictions due to reality

j,m and p all positive numbers, even natural numbers, integers, given how we conventionally refer to ages

then limits on maximums, as most don't live past 80 or 90

so

if m= 1, j= 6, and p = 12 for minimum possibilities

p = 90, j=45, m = 40 for maximum possibilities

1<m<40

6<j<45

12<p<90

if we're dealing with adults, that narrows it down more

21<m<40

26<j<45

52<m<90

(m,j,p) = (22,27,54), (23,28, 56), (24, 29, 58), ... (39,44,88), (40,45,90)

about 17 possibilities