Question

Two siblings' ages have a sum of 64 years. The older sibling was born 6 years before their young sibling.

Write a system of 2 equations. Solve the system using substitution. Report your answer in the form of (older, younger).

Answer 1

Hi!

So we have to make a system of equations here.

Let sibling 1 be O and sibling 2 be Y (for older and younger)

So:

O + Y = 64

O = 64 - Y

(Either one works)

The older sibling is 6 years older.

O = Y + 6

Make everything in terms of Y.

64 - Y = Y + 6

Same to both:

58 = 2y

2y = 58

Divide by 2 on both sides:

y = 29

Since the older sibling is 6 years older:

29 + 6 = 35

Y = 29

O = 35

Let me know if you have any questions.