Question

Taylor is five times as old as Spenser. The sum of their ages is eighteen. How old are Taylor and Spencer?

Answer 1

Taylor is 15 and Spencer is 3.

Explanation:

3×5=15

15+3=18

Answer 2

Taylor is 15 years old.

Spencer is 3 years old.

Explanation:

Let Taylor's age be x

Let Spencer age be y

x = 5y ......…...........(1)

x + y = 18...................(2)

Make y the subject of the formula in equation (1)

y = x/5

Substitute x/5 for y in equation 2

x + y = 18...................(2)

`x+(x)/(5) =18\\(6x)/(5) = 18\\Cross multiply .\\6x = 90\\Divide both sides of the equation by 6\\x = 15\\Substitute 15 for x in equation 1\\`
`x = 5y (1)\\15 = 5y\\Divide both sides of the equation by 5\\y = 3`