Question

Maggie’s brother is 4 years younger than twice her age. The sum of their ages is 11. How old is Maggie?

Answer 1

Maggies age = M

Brothers age = B

 From the problem develop 2 equations:

 B = 2M - 4            Equation 1
M + B = 11             Equation 2


Solve Eq. 2 for B to get: B = 11 - M then substitute into Eq. 1.

  11 - M = 2M - 4

-3M = -15

 M = 5  Maggie is 5 years old!

Answer 2

Maggies brother is 14