Question

PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!

3 sisters are each 2 years apart in age. The youngest sister is Emily, the middle sister is Samantha and the oldest sister is Lauren. Together their combined ages are 42. How old is each sister?
a. Define the variable(s).
b. Write an equation for this situation using one variable.
c. Solve the equation for the ages of the 3 sisters.

Answer 1

Let x = the youngest sister (Emily)
Let (x + 2) = the middle sister (Samantha)
Let (x + 4) = the oldest sister (Lauren)

x + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 42
combine like terms
3x + 6 = 42
subtract 6 from both sides
3x = 36
divide both sides by 3
x = 12
Emily = x = 12
Samantha = x + 2 = 14
Lauren = x + 4 = 16

Answer 2

n + n + 2 + n + 4 = 42
That equals 3n + 6 = 42
(-6) 3n = 36
(/3) n = 12