Question

The sum of the ages of Caleb and Linda is 55 years. 8 years ago, Caleb's age was 2 times Linda's age. How old is Caleb now?

Answer 1

34

Explanation:

1. if to guess the Caleb's age is 'x' years and Linda's age is 'y' years now, then

2. according to the 'sum of the ages of Caleb and Linda is 55 years' it may be written: x+y=55 - the first equation of the system;

3. according to the condition '8 years ago, Caleb's age was 2 times Linda's age' it may be written: (x-8)(y-8)=2 - the second equation of the system;

4. if to make up the system of two equation and calculate the values of 'x' and 'y':

5. if x=34, then Caleb is 34 old now.