Question

Wilma is twice as old as Jamal, and Jamal is 3 years older than Tim. The sum of all their ages is 17.

Let j be Jamal's age. Write and solve an equation to find Jamal's age.

Answer 1

w= 2J
T=J-3
therefore (2J)+(J)+(J-3)=17
4J=20
J=5

Answer 2

W = 2J
J = T + 3......T = J - 3

W + T + J = 17
2J + J - 3 + J = 17
4J - 3 = 17
4J = 17 + 3
4J = 20
J = 20/4
J = 5 <=== Jamal is 5

W = 2J
W = 2(5)
W = 10 <== Wilma is 10

T = J - 3
T = 5 - 3
T = 2 <== Tim is 2