Question

Kelly and Brandon have a combined age of 32.

They have an age difference of 6 (Kelly is older).
Write a system of equations to find out how old Kelly is
and how old Brandon is.

Answer 1

Kelly is 19; Brandon is 13

Explanation:

k + b = 32. Also: k = b + 6.

Substituting b + 6 for k in the first equation, we get b + 6 + b = 32, or

2b = 26. Then b must be 13, and k must be 13 + 6, or 19.

Kelly is 19; Brandon is 13.

Answer 2

Brandon is 13, Kelly is 19.

Explanation:

Let's set up our equations.

Kelly and Brandon have a combined age of 32.

K + B = 32

They have an age difference of 6. Kelly is older.

K - B = 6

Let's shift the equation around a little.

K - B = 6

Add B to both sides.

K = B + 6

Now let's plug K into our first equation.

K + B = 32

(B + 6) + B = 32

Combine like terms.

2B + 6 = 32

2B = 26

Divide both sides by 2.

B = 13

Now that we know Brandon is 13, we can find Kelly's age.

K + B = 32

K + 13 = 32

K = 19

Kelly is 19.

Hope this helps!