Let's begin by listing out the information given to us:
Ryan (r) = r
Heather (h) = r - 6
[tex]\begin{gathered} r+h=52 \\ h=r-6 \\ r+r-6=52 \\ 2r-6=52 \\ 2r=52+6 \\ 2r=58 \\ r=\frac{58}{2}=29 \\ r=29 \\ \\ \therefore Ryan^{\prime}s\text{ age is 29 years old} \end{gathered}[/tex]Therefore, Ryan is 29 years old