Question

Suri's age is 4 less than 3 times her cousin's age. Suri is 17 years old. Which method can be

used to find c her cousin's age?

Answer 1

Algebraic equation

Explanation:

We would use an algebraic equation.

An algebraic equation is a mathematical statement in which two expressions are made equal to each other using the equal sign.

In this case the algebraic equation consists of constant, variables and algebraic operation.

One of the type of algebraic equation is a linear equation. The expression below relating suri's age with her cousin's is a linear equation.

We can derive equations from sentences that involves unknown values by representing them with variables such as x, y, etc.

Suri's age = 17years old

Let Suri's cousin's age = x

3 times her cousin's age = 3x

Suri's age = 4 less than 3 times her cousin's age = 3x-4

17 = 3x-4

3x = 17+4 = 21

x = 21/3

x = 7

Her cousins age = 3x = 3×7

Her cousins age = 21 years

Answer 2

Add 4 to 17, then divide both sides by 3.

Explanation:

Given that :

Suri's age is 4 less than 3 times her cousin's age

Suri is 17 years old

Let her cousin's age be c

Then ;

3c - 4 = 17

By adding 4 to 17; we have

3c = 17 + 4

3c = 21

Now, dividing both sides by 3 ; we have

3c/3 = 21/3

c = 7

The age of her cousin is 7 years