Question

Maggie’s brother is 4 years younger than twice her age. The sum of their ages is 11. How old is Maggie?

Answer 1

Maggies brother is 14

Answer 2

Maggies age = M

Brothers age = B

From the problem develop 2 equations:

B = 2M - 4 Equation 1
M + B = 11 Equation 2


Solve Eq. 2 for B to get: B = 11 - M then substitute into Eq. 1.

11 - M = 2M - 4

-3M = -15

M = 5 Maggie is 5 years old!