Final answer:
The system of linear equations to find Evan and Sam's ages is E = 3S - 12 and E - S = 8, which can be solved using substitution or elimination methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the ages of Evan and Sam, we need to translate the given information into a system of linear equations. The first statement, "Evan's age is 12 less than three times Sam's age," can be written as E = 3S - 12, where E represents Evan's age and S represents Sam's age. The second statement, "The difference between their ages is 8," gives us a second equation, E - S = 8. Combining these two equations provides us with the following system:
To solve for Evan and Sam's ages, we can use methods such as substitution or elimination. This system will yield a unique solution, representing Evan and Sam's respective ages.