Question

Tom is 4 inches taller than Sally together their heights equal 124 inches

a.create an equation to represent the situation.
b.Solve your equation
c. How tall is Sally?
d. How tall is Tom?

Answer 1

Tom's height = x = 64 inches

Sally's height = y = 60 inches

Explanation:

Let us represent

Tom's height = x

Sally's height = y

Tom is 4 inches taller than Sally

x = y + 4

Together their heights equal 124 inches

x + y = 124

We substitute y + 4 for x

y + 4 + y = 124

2y + 4 = 124

Collect like terms

2y = 124 - 4

2y = 120

y = 120/2

y = 60

Solving for x

x = y + 4

x = 60 + 4

x = 64

Therefore,

Tom's height = x = 64 inches

Sally's height = y = 60 inches