Question

1. The sum of Sam’s and Tom’s ages is 70. Tom is four times as old as Sam. If you let s = Sam’s age and t = Tom’s age then you can use a system of equations. What are Sam’s and Tom’s ages?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Let s = Sam’s age and t = Tom’s age

According to the question,

Tom is four times as old as Sam,

So, t= 4s-------------(i)

Now,

sum of Sam’s and Tom’s ages is 70

i.e, s +t = 70

or, s +4s=70 (from eq. (i))

or, 5s= 70

or, s = 70/5

or, s= 14

Age of Sam = 14 yrs

Age of Tom= 4s = 4×14 = 56 yrs

Answer 2

Explanation:

The sum of Sam’s and Tom’s ages is 70.

s + t = 70 --------(i)

Tom is four times as old as Sam.

t = 4*s = 4s

t =4s in equation (i)

s + 4s = 70

5s = 70

s = 70/5

s = 14

t = 4s = 4*14 = 56

Sam's age = 14 years

Tom's age = 56 years