Michelle is 7 years older than her sister Joan, and Joan is 3 years younger than their brother Ryan. If the sum of their ages is 64, how old is Joan?

16
22
18
19

Respuesta :

Answer:

(C) 18

Step-by-step explanation:

We can create a systems of equations. Assuming [tex]m[/tex] is Michelle's age, [tex]j[/tex] is Joan's age, and [tex]r[/tex] is Ryan's age, the equations are:

[tex]m = j + 7[/tex]

[tex]j = r-3[/tex]

[tex]m+j+r = 64[/tex]

We can use substitution, since we know the "values" of m and j.

[tex](j+7)+(r-3)+r = 64\\(j+7)+(2r-3)=64\\2r + j + 4 = 64\\2r + j = 60\\\\[/tex]

[tex]r = 21, j = 18[/tex]

So we know that Joan is 18 years old.

Hope this helped!