For this case we have to:
x: Be the variable that represents James's age
y: Be the variable that represents Kate's age
According to the data we have:
![x + y = 19\\2y-2 = x](https://img.qammunity.org/2020/formulas/mathematics/middle-school/bxlae1dn8s3h7lj8hirza835os0nqu9khi.png)
Substituting the second equation into the first:
![2y-2 + y = 193y-2 = 19\\3y = 19 + 2\\3y = 21\\y = \frac {21} {3}\\y = 7](https://img.qammunity.org/2020/formulas/mathematics/middle-school/2cp59ex04sxuavgnzojlxq4fq0lu9km974.png)
So, Kate is 7 years old.
![x = 2y-2\\x = 2 * 7-2\\x = 14-2\\x = 12](https://img.qammunity.org/2020/formulas/mathematics/middle-school/158k3jm57s6hq2g85w63245s4jknirnyz9.png)
James is 12 years old.
Answer:
JAmes is 12 years old
Kate is 7 years old