Question

(ASAP) Billie & Tony are siblings. It’s summer of 2015. Twice Billie’s age decreased by 3 is Tony’s age. Tony is fourteen years older than Billie. What are the ages of Billie & Tony?

Answer 1

Billie's age = x = 17 years

Tony's age = y = 31 years

Explanation:

Let

Billie's age = x

Tony's age = y

Twice Billie’s age decreased by 3 is Tony’s age.

y = 2x - 3..... Equation 1

Tony is fourteen years older than Billie.

x = y - 14

We substitute y - 14 for x in Equation 1

y = 2x - 3..... Equation 1

y = 2(y - 14) - 3

y = 2y - 28 - 3

y - 2y = -28 - 3

-y = -31

y = 31 years

Solving for x

x = y - 14

x = 31 - 14

x = 17 years.

Therefore:

Billie's age = x = 17 years

Tony's age = y = 31 years