Question

Debbie is N years old. Edna is 3 years older than Debbie and Shawn is twice as old as Debbie. The expression n+n+3+2n gives the sum of their age. Simplify the expression by combining like terms. Show your work.

Answer 1

N + n + 3 + 2n = (sum of age)

First change the problem and add 1 in front of the variables (n)

1n + 1n + 3 + 2n = (sum of age)

Next add the like terms which are 1n, 1n, and 2n

1n + 1n = 2n 
2n + 2n = 4n 

Now 3 is left by itself add it to the problem

4n + 3

SIMPLIFIED EXPRESSION IS 4n + 3