Question

Michael and Susan have a combined age of 17 years. Michael is 5 years older than Susan.



How old is Michael?



A.
5


B.
6


C.
11


D.
22

Answer 1

Michael is 5 years older than Susan.

If M = Michael's age and S = Susan's age, then how can you express the relationship between M and S algebraically?

Answer 2

Michael and Susan have a combined age of 17 years.

How can you say that algebraically?

Answer 3

Now use those 2 equations to solve for Michael's age. Solve one of them for S, then substitute that expression into the other equation. That will give you one equation in one unknown (M), solve that, and you have your answer.

Answer 4

I'm sorry but can you explain that easier please?

Answer 5

OK. Michael is 5 years older than Susan.

Let M be michael's age. Then susan's age = ??


Use the variable M to write an expression for susan's age, given that Michael is 5 years older than Susan.

Answer 6

Okay

Answer 7

But how would I write the expression?

Answer 8

S = ............?

Use M in the expression on the right hand side.

Answer 9

If I said, "Debbie is 20 years older than Jane", then I could write that as:

D = J + 20

or alternatively,

J = D - 20

See what I mean?

Answer 10

Michael is 5 years older than Susan.

Let M be michael's age. Then S = ......?

Answer 11

Oh now I see

Answer 12

thank you ^-^

Answer 13

So I'd say either Michael was 11 or 22

Answer 14

Oh so he is 11! xD

Answer 15

Yup, that's what I get too. Nice job. :)

Answer 16

Thank you very much :)