Question

Maggie's brother is 5 years younger than twice her age. The sum of their ages is 22.

How old is Maggie?

Answer 1

Maggie is 9 years old

Answer 2

9 years old

Explanation:

Let maggie's age be m,

and let maggie's brother's age be b

b = 2m - 5,

m + b = 22

Substitute "2m - 5" for b in the second equation (substitution)

m + (2m - 5) = 22 -> Remove parenthesis

m + 2m - 5 = 22 -> Combine like terms

3m = 22 + 5 = 27 -> Divide either side by 3

m = 27/3 = 9

Solution: Maggie is 9 years old