Question

Martin is two years younger than three times his daughter Ada’s age. The sum of their ages is 54. If Ada’s age is given by a, then which equation below fully models in the information given in this problem?

Answer 1

• Martin is 40 and Ada is 14

Explanation:

• Martin's age = m
• Ada's age = a

Martin is two years younger than three times his daughter Ada’s age:

• m = 3a - 2

The sum of their ages is 54:

• m + a = 54

Solving this equation for m:

• m = 54 - a

Eliminate m:

• 3a - 2 = 54 - a

Solve for a:

• 3a + a = 54 + 2
• 4a = 56
• a = 56/4
• a = 14

Find m:

• m = 54 - 14 = 40

Martin is 40 and Ada is 14