Question

Chris is 3 years older than Jacob. Nathan is eighteen years old. Two years ago the sum of all their ages was 59 years old. How old is Jacob?

Answer 1

C=J+3
N=18

two years ago the sum of their ages was 59
(c-2)+(J-2)+(N-2)=59

(J+3-2)+(J-2)+(18-2)= 59

J=22

Answer 2

Jacob is 22

C = J + 3
N = 18
(N - 2) + (C - 2) + (J - 2) = 59 (This occurs 2 years ago, we subtract 2 from all)
(18 - 2) + (J + 3 - 2) + (J -2) = 59
16 + J + 1 + J -2 = 59
2J + 15 = 59
2J = 44
J = 22