Question

Jim is two years older than his sister Mary. The sum of their ages is greater than 32. Describe Mary’s age. Create and inequality for this situation

Answer 1

Let the two ages be j and m, respectively.  Then j+m>32.

Solving for Mary's age, we get   m > 32 - j.  Because j = m + 2, m > 32 - (m+2).

Continue solving for m:  Adding m to both sides of this inequality results in

2m > 32 - 2.  Then 2m > 30, and m > 15.  Mary's age is greater than 15.