John's age is 4 more than 3 time Mike's age. If their sum is 20, how old are Mike and John?
1 answer:
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Answer:
The first equation can be multiplied by 3 and the second equation by 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given
Required
How to eliminate x
To eliminate x using addition, we have to do the following;
1. Take the coefficient of x in equation 1; Coefficient = 2
2. Take the coefficient of x in equation 2; Coefficient = -3
3. Multiply equation 1 by 3
4. Multiply equation 2 by 2
5. Add both resulting equations
+
Notice that x has been eliminated;