Question

Maggie's brother is 6 years younger than four times her age. The sum of their ages is 29.

How old is Maggie?

Answer 1

x=7

Explanation:

the equation we use to model this expression is x+ (4x-6)=29. This simplifies to 5x-6=29. Add 6 to both sides, and you get 5x=35. Divide both sides by 5 and you get x=7.

Answer 2

Hi there!

Maggie is 7 years old.

Let m = Maggie's age

Let her brother's age be represented by (4m - 6)

The ages sum up to 29, therefore:

29 = m + (4m - 6)

Combine like terms:

29 = 5m - 6

Add 6 to both sides:

35 = 5m

Divide both sides by 5:

m = 7.