systems of equations is the easiest way to solve this
i used x for sarahs age and y for pauls
first equation we have paul is 8 years less than 5 times sarahs age.
5x-8=y
then we have the sum of their ages is 64
x+y=64
I want to solve so that we can replace x with a y term so i took the second equation and made it x=64-y
then replace it
5(64-y)-8=y
320-5y-8=y
312-5y=y
312=6y
y=52
plug in for y to either equation
5x-8=52
60=5x
x=12
now double check it
is 52+12=64 ? true
is 52 8 less than 5 times sarahs age?
52 is eight less than 60
so paul is 52
sarah is 12