Question

Four brothers have ages that are consecutive even integers. From youngest to oldest, their names are Matt, Pat, Dave, and Dan. If Dan's age is 36 years less than twice Pat's age, then what are the ages of all four brothers?

Answer 1

• Matt is 38, Pat is 40, Dave is 42 and Dan is 44.

Explanation:

Let Matt's age be x.

Then Pat is x + 2, Dave is x + 4 and Dan is x + 6.

Dan's age is 36 years less than twice Pat's age:

• x + 6 = 2(x + 2) - 36

Solve it for x:

• x + 6 = 2x + 4 - 36
• x + 6 = 2x - 32
• 2x - x= 6 + 32
• x = 38

So Matt is 38, Pat is 40, Dave is 42 and Dan is 44.