n= youngest
n+1= middle friend (by age)
n+2 = oldest
n + n + 1 + n + 2 = 180 (the sum of their ages = 180)
Combine like terms
3n + 3 = 180
Now subtract 3 from each side of the equation
3n + 3 - 3 = 180 -3
3n = 177
Now divide both sides of the equation by 3
n= 59 n + 1 = 60 and n + 2=61 Ages are 59, 60, 61
Another way 180 ÷ 3 = 60. So 60 + 60 + 60 =180 Take one from one of the 60s and add it to one of the others and you will also get 59,60 and 61.