Answer:
x = 24yrs and y = 27yrs
Step-by-step explanation:
Let the age of one of the teachers be x
Let the age of the other teacher be y
From the second sentence;
x + y = 51 ----------(1)
From the first sentence;
x/y = 8/9 ------------(2)
Making y the subject of formula in equation (1) as follows;
y = 51 -x -------------(3)
Substitute (3) into (2) as follows;
x/51- x = 8/9
Cross multiply as follows:
9*x = 8(51- x)
9x = 408 - 8x
Collecting like terms;
9x + 8x = 408
17x = 408
Divide both sides by 17;
x = 24 yrs
Substitute x = 24 into equation (3) as follows;
y = 51 - 24
y = 27 yrs
