Question

two siblings are 55 years old combined the youngest sibling is 9 years younger than the oldest sibling how old is the youngest sibling

Answer 1

Systems of Equations Word Problems

To solve systems of equations word problems, we can delegate certain variables to subjects mentioned in the word problem. From there, we can form equations based on the given values.

Solving the Question

Let a be the older sibling's age and b be the younger sibling's age.

We're given:

• a + b = 55 years old
• b + 9 years = a

All we've done so far is translate the given sentences into equations. Now, we have to solve for b, which is the age of the youngest sibling. Solve using substitution:

`a+b=55\\(b+9)+b=55\\b+9+b=55\\2b+9=55\\2b=46\\b=23`

Therefore, the younger sibling is 23 years old.

Answer

23 years old.