Question

Huilan's age is two times Thomas's age. The sum of their ages is 78 . What is Thomas's age?

Answer 1

Let x equal Thomas' age.  Then Huilan's age is 2x.  Set up an equation to model this situation:

x+2x=78

*Combine like terms*

3x=78

*Divide both sides by 3*

x=26

Hope this helps!!

Answer 2

Since the sum of both Thomas and Huilan’s age is 78—

You would have to divide by 3, because, the problem you are trying to solve is asking you for 1/3 of the ages.

(Huilan = 2/3)
(Thomas = 1/3)

So, you divide 78 by 3 and you get 26.

Thomas = 26