Question

John is 3 years older than Andy. Five years ago the sum of their ages was 27 . How old is each boy? Let J= John's age now and let A= Andy's age now. Which two equations can be used to solve this problem? Select the two that apply.

a. J=A-3
b. A+3=J
c. J+A=27+5
d. (J-5)+(A-5)=27
e. J-5=A-5

Answer 1

The two equations that can be used to solve for the current ages of John and Andy are option b (J = A + 3) and option d ((J - 5) + (A - 5) = 27), representing the relationship between their ages and the sum of their ages five years ago, respectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question presents a classic age-related problem and can be solved using a system of equations. We know that John is 3 years older than Andy. So, as the first step, we could establish the first equation from the choices as option b, which can be written as J = A + 3. This equation expresses the given relationship that John's age is 3 more than Andy's age.

The second part of the problem states that five years ago, the sum of their ages was 27. This leads us to the second equation which is option d, (J - 5) + (A - 5) = 27. This equation calculates the total age of both boys five years ago. By solving these two equations together, we can find the current ages of John and Andy.