In Kate's equation, 20 is the total number of tickets, 4 is number of tickets per ride, r is number of rides already ridden, and 4r is the number of tickets used
in Brian's equation, 5 is total number of rides Katie can ride and 5 - r is the number of rides left to ride
Let m be max's age Let z be zekes age 2m+z=26 Sub in zekes age 2m+8=26 2m=26-8 2m=18 M=18/2 M=9 Remember: this is Max's age THREE YEARS AGO. Therefore, add three to get his current age 9+3=12 Therefore, Max is currently 12 Hope this helps!