Question

chris is 3 years older than jacob. Nathan is 18 years old. two years ago the sum of all their ages was 59 years old how old is jacob?

Answer 1

Today 2 years ago

Chris: x + 3 (x + 3) - 2 = x + 1

Nathan: 18 (18) - 2 = 16

Jacob: x (x) - 2 = x - 2

Chris + Nathan + Jacob = sum

x + 1 + 16 + x - 2 = 59

2x - 15 = 59 added like terms (x and x) and (1, 16, and -2)

2x = 74 added 15 to both sides

x = 37 divided both sides by 2

Answer: Jacob is 37 yrs old