Question

Solve the following word problem using two variables. Show each step of your work.

John is five years older than Maya. The sum of their ages is 27. Find both ages.

Answer 1

John is 16 and Maya is 11

Explanation:

x=Maya's age

x+5=John's age

x+x+5=27

2x+5=27

-5 -5

2x=22

/2 /2

x=11

x+5=

11+5= 16