Question

Jeremy is 5 years younger than his older sister. His older sister is 9 years older than his younger sister. The total of their age is 49. Write and solve an equation to find the ages of Jeremy and his sisters.
I need help please!

Answer 1

Jeremy=x
Older sister=x+5
younger sister=x+5-9 or x-4
x+(x+5)+(x-4)=49
combine like terms
3x+5-4=49
3x+1=49
subtract 1 from both sides
3x=48
divide both sides by 3
x=16
Jeremy=16
Older sister=16+5=21
younger sister =16-4 or 16+5-9=12
J=16
OS=21
YS=12

Answer 2

Jeremy - x
Older sister - x+5
Younger sister - x-4
3x+1=49
3x=48
X= 16

Jeremy: 16
Older sister: 21
Younger sister: 12