Question

Jessica is 2 years older than Maggie. The sum of their ages is 26. Define variables and write an algebraic equation to represent the situation.

Answer 1

(x+2) + x = 26 is the equation

Answer 2

Let Maggie’s age be x
then Jessica's age is (x+2)
The sum of their ages (Jessica + Maggie =26) is (x+2) +x = 26
2x+2=26
2x=24
x=12 years (Maggie’s age) and Jessica's age is (12+2)= 14 years